New residents to keep a clean slate

8/3/2009

It’s now more important than ever that new residents of Magna West Somerset (MWS) stick to their tenancy agreements and do not commit any acts of anti-social behaviour.

For nearly six months now, MWS has required all new tenants to sign a ‘starter tenancy’ agreement as part of a variety of approaches taken by Magna to crack down on breaches of tenancy, which include anti social behaviour. To date, 31 starter tenancies have been issued.

Christine Boland, tenant services manager, says,”At our tenant conference last year we asked residents if they thought this would be a good idea to help combat anti social behaviour and they were all really supportive. Since then, we have received many positive comments about the starter tenancy agreement. Even those who have signed the agreement think it’s a really good idea as it helps to make sure that they live in an area where everyone behaves as they should.”

One resident, Mr Seacombe, who lives in Watchet and recently signed the agreement, says,”It doesn’t bother me at all that this is a starter tenancy agreement and I was quite happy to sign up to it. I know I am not going to commit any anti social behaviour and if it helps to make sure no one else does, then I’m all in favour of it.”

Christine continues, “Having starter tenancies gives us time to make sure that residents can take on a more secure tenancy without breaching its terms. This is as much about giving people the support they need as it is about dealing with anti social behaviour. It means we can spot any potential problems early on, before they become a major issue and help resolve them together.”

The Tenant Services Authority allows housing associations to use starter tenancies, which are assured shorthold tenancies for new residents over a time limited period. Assured shorthold tenants have less security as landlords can serve just two months’ notice to secure possession of their property. As long as notice is served correctly, a court must grant permission without considering whether it is reasonable to do so.

In Magna’s case new residents will live in their homes as assured shorthold tenants for the first 12 months. If, after that period, the residents have a clean slate and Magna is happy they have conducted their tenancy according to its terms then they will automatically be transferred to a more secure assured tenancy.

Christine adds, “As always, those on starter tenancies will only be evicted as a last resort. However, using this tool will give us more powers to deal with residents who breach their tenancy, which can only be a good thing for those who abide by the rules.”

New residents are provided with an information sheet explaining what starter tenancies are and their new housing officers will also discuss this with them.