The Department of Social Care is announcing the implementation of Fixed Term public sector tenancies. From April 2014 all new tenancies will be for a fixed period of five years which will provide more flexibility to public sector landlords in managing their stock effectively.

Tenancies will be renewed wherever there is an ongoing housing need. Where there has been a change in circumstances, for example a significant rise in income, then the tenancy terms can be changed and the rent increased accordingly. This is an enabling provision for public sector landlords to review tenancies regularly and is also the first step towards the subsequent introduction of means testing.

Minister for Social Care Hon Howard Quayle MHK said:

“A fixed term tenancy will provide a natural contract break where the terms of the tenancy can be re-evaluated according to the tenants housing need and eligibility at that time. It gives all public sector housing providers the opportunity to update the details of the households and check on the continued eligibility of those tenants for public sector housing. All tenancy reviews will be carried out with sensitivity by the public sector landlords. Tenancies will be renewed wherever there is an ongoing housing need. Where there has been a change in circumstances for example and increase or decrease in household then the terms of the renewed tenancy will be adjusted to reflect this.

Introducing a fixed term to new tenancies from April this year means all new tenants coming in to the sector will be aware their tenancy is not for life, and continued occupancy will depend on their individual needs and circumstances when reviewed.”