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This page looks at the procedure for becoming a Housing Executive tenant. It briefly outlines what makes an introductory tenancy different from a regular tenancy and explains when you can start a joint tenancy.
What do I have to do to start my tenancy?
Once you accept the offer you must sign up to become a tenant. This means that you must sign an acceptance slip which outlines:
- your name,
- the address of your new accommodation,
- the date your tenancy starts.
The Housing Executive should give you a copy of the acceptance slip after your sign it. You will need the acceptance slip when dealing with Northern Ireland Electricity. You should also be given:
- a tenant's handbook,
- a housing benefit application form if you want to apply for housing benefit.
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What is an introductory tenancy?
Every new Housing Executive tenant becomes an introductory tenant for the first year of the tenancy. Introductory tenants have similar rights to normal tenants. However, it is easier for the Housing Executive to evict you if:
- you are an introductory tenant,
- the Housing Executive decides you are guilty of antisocial behaviour or you have serious rent arrears.
The Housing Executive can evict you if it decides that you, someone who lives with you, or a visitor has been guilty of antisocial behaviour. The Housing Executive must give you 28 days' notice before evicting you. The Housing Executive can only evict you if it has got a court order allowing the eviction.
Can I appeal the Housing Executive's decision?
You can ask the Housing Executive to review the decision to start court proceedings. If the Housing Executive review decides that you should be evicted the court can't stop it.
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When will I become a secure Housing Executive tenant?
You will become a secure Housing Executive tenant if the Housing Executive doesn't start court proceedings to evict you within a year of you starting your tenancy. The Housing Executive can still evict you after you become a secure tenant. However, it is more difficult.
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Can I become a joint tenant with someone else?
Joint tenants have the same rights as other applicants. A joint tenancy simply creates equal rights and responsibilities for each person. Most joint tenancies are between two people. However, there is no limit on the amount of people who can become joint tenants.
You can only start a joint tenancy if:
- you are allowed to apply for housing using the Selection Scheme,
- you are the husband, wife or partner of the current tenant,
- you would be allowed to keep the tenancy if the current tenant died,
- you were living with the current tenant when the tenancy was awarded,
- you have lived with the current tenant for a year before the start of the tenancy.
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