Demoted Tenancies

Many landlords have found introductory or starter tenancies a very effective way of controlling anti-social behaviour in new tenants. The introduction of demoted tenancies will allow landlords to apply to the court to reduce the security of tenure for an existing tenant deal in a similar way.

Local authorities, housing action trusts and registered social landlords may apply to the County Court to allow a tenancy to be brought to an end by a Demotion Order. Upon granting of the order, the tenancy is replaced with a less secure form of tenancy.

The court may only make the order if the tenant, another resident of or visitor to the tenant's home has behaved in a way which is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance. In addition the court must be satisfied that it is reasonable to make the order.

The Demotion Order gives a serious warning to the tenant since if they continue to misbehave swift action can be taken to end their tenancy. It also removes a number of their tenancy rights, thereby acting as a positive incentive to the tenant to change their behaviour: if they stop causing problems, they can regain a higher level of security and rights. The scheme provides a clear linkage between the enjoyment of the benefits and rights of security, and responsible behaviour.

The period of demotion will initially be for 12 months but may be extended if the landlord serves notice to seek possession of the property during this period.

Further Information

You can obtain further information from the following:

ASB Unit, Blyth Valley Housing, Dinsdale House, 75 Marine Terrace, Blyth NE24 2LN.

Telephone: ASB Unit Hotline 01670 542060

RNID Typetalk service prefix number 18001

EMail: Anti-Social Behaviour Unit