Council tenancies

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. 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.

Councils normally provide introductory or secure tenancies. However, if you have been involved in antisocial behaviour, you may be offered a demoted tenancy or a family intervention tenancy instead. 

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.

If you live in temporary housing that the council arranged because you were homeless, you may not actually have a council tenancy at all.

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. Read more 

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. Read more 

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. Read more 

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. Read more 

Council family intervention tenancies

Councils can give family intervention tenancies to any existing tenants who have been evicted as a result of antisocial behaviour, or could be at risk of eviction because of it. Read more