Council tenancies
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Not all council tenants have the same protection from eviction. The type of tenancy agreement you have will affect many of your rights, including how and when the council can evict you, whether you can pass your tenancy on and whether you have the right to buy.
The council should give you a written tenancy agreement, which says clearly what type you have and outlines your rights and responsibilities. For a summary of the different types of tenancies, download a free Shelter housing advice booklet.
The Coalition Government has announced that in future, new council tenants will no longer have the security of a ‘home for life’ and will be given a different type of tenancy than at present. This change has not yet been implemented and will not affect existing tenants. We will update our website as soon as more details and dates are announced. See our page on the Government's spending review for more information.
Introductory council tenancies
Most councils give new tenants an introductory tenancy for the first year. This is on a trial basis - you can be evicted very easily.
Secure council tenancies
You probably have a secure tenancy if you got your home through the waiting list and have lived there for at least a year. Secure tenants have strong rights.
Demoted council tenancies
Secure council tenancies can be downgraded to a demoted tenancy in some circumstances. This gives you similar status to an introductory tenant.
Temporary housing from the council
Living in temporary housing provided by the council after you made a homelessness application? This is not the same as having a council tenancy but you still have rights.
