Tenancy Agreements
A Tenancy Agreement is an important legal contract, which you should keep safe. It tells you about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and the rights and responsibilities of Housing Hartlepool, your landlord.
When you accept a home you sign a Tenancy Agreement. The Tenancy Agreement is either a starter or assured tenancy.
If you were a tenant of Hartlepool Borough Council at the time the properties transferred to Housing Hartlepool (29th March 2004) and you are still a tenant, whether you have moved to another Housing Hartlepool property or not, you have protected rights that existed at the time of transfer.
What is a Starter Tenancy?
All new tenants will be given a starter tenancy. Starter tenants do not have the same rights as assured tenants and have a 12 month probationary period. The first 12 months of a starter tenancy is closely monitoried to make sure that tenants understand the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement and can end easily if the rules are broken.
After 12 months the tenancy automatically becomes an assured tenancy as long as there are no problems. The leaflet "A Basic Guide to Starter Tenancies" is available at all Housing Hartlepool offices and is available to download on the website.
What is an Assured Tenancy?
Assured tenants have the same responsibilities as starter tenants but have additional rights.
Your tenancy can only be ended with a Court Order. The reasons for ending secure tenancies are laid down in law and include rent arrears and neighbour nuisance.
If you need any help or advice about your tenancy you can ask at any Housing Hartlepool office. You can also get independent advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.