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London association to switch 2,000 residents to lifetime tenancies
A large London housing association is to switch 2,000 existing fixed-term tenants onto lifetime tenancies as “soon as possible”, as it follows the trend of several other organisations to scrap fixed tenancies.
The 20,000-home Network Homes confirmed today that it is bringing lifetime tenancies to all new tenants as well as converting existing fixed-term tenancies to lifetime deals.
The association said that it had been offering five-year fixed term tenancies since 2011 as a way of ensuring that its homes went to those most in need. However, it found that just 3% of the tenants that signed up to these deals left after the end of the five-year term.
The association said it would switch over fixed-term tenants through a phased approach or automatically when their current deal comes to an end.
Network Homes follows a growing list of housing associations that are doing away with fixed-term tenancies.
Last week Platform Housing Group announced that they would scrap fixed-term tenancies. It followed similar moves by other major associations such as Orbit, L&Q and Sovereign, which have scrapped these tenancies over the past 18 months.
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Fixed-term tenancies were introduced in 2011 as part of the Localism Act. They typically last around five years and give landlords the option not to renew a tenancy after that period.
Helen Evans, chief executive of Network Homes, said: “We believe everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home. For many residents, coming up to the end of their tenancy was a worrying and uncertain time.
“I’m pleased Network Homes can now offer its tenants future peace of mind and certainty their home will remain theirs for as long as they need it.”
Phil Lyons, chair of the Hertford and Outer London Residents Panel, said: “This is great news as it gives tenants lasting security that their home will be theirs for as long as they need it.
“Converting all existing fixed-term tenancies (and new tenancies) to lifetime tenancies as soon as possible removes the uncertainty and worry of renewing their tenancy, and less anxiety about the future of their home.”
Update: at 14.07 17/01/20 This story has been updated as it originally said Clarion had also scrapped fixed term tenancies, however Clarion’s fixed term tenancy policy is still under review.
