Introductory Housing Executive tenancies

An introductory tenancy is a one year trial tenancy. Once the 12 months are up, the tenancy becomes secure unless the Housing Executive has started possession action. All new tenancies are introductory tenancies.

Am I an introductory tenant?
Abandonment
When will I become a secure tenant?
Can the Housing Executive evict me?
Can I buy my home?
Can I exchange my home with another Housing Executive tenant?
Can I give my home to someone else?
Will the Housing Executive carry out repairs to my home?

Am I an introductory tenant?

All new tenancies are introductory tenancies. You are probably an introductory tenant if:

the Housing Executive has given you a home through the selection scheme,
your tenancy started less than a year ago,
you do not live in accommodation that comes with your job.

Abandonment

If you are an introductory tenant and the Housing Executive believes you have permanently vacated a property and that you do not intend to return and live in the property, the Housing Executive is entitled to take possession of the property. The Housing Executive considers this behaviour as abandonment of a property.

When will I become a secure tenant?

You will normally be an introductory tenant for 12 months from the date your tenancy started or the date you moved in - whichever is later. You will normally become a secure tenant automatically after the first year has passed as long as the Housing Executive doesn't start action to evict you during the 12 month period.

If you have spent time as an introductory tenant in another property before your current tenancy started, the time you spent there should count towards the 12 months. For example, if you lived in your previous home for six months, you should only have to spend six months as an introductory tenant in your new home. If you lived there for more than a year, you won't have to spend any time as an introductory tenant.

If you have a joint tenancy, the trial period ends as soon as one of the joint tenants completes the trial period.

Can the Housing Executive evict me?

Unlike regular tenancies, the Housing Executive doesn't usually have to prove any grounds for possession. The court must give the Housing Executive possession of your home if it has followed the correct procedure.

Get specialist advice if you are an introductory tenant and the Housing Executive is trying to end your tenancy. If you can show that eviction is an unreasonable action for the Housing Executive to take, the court may be able to listen to your reasons.

Can I buy my home?

If you are an introductory tenant, you cannot buy your home. Once you have been a secure tenant for five years you will earn the right to buy your home. This five year period does not have to be in the same property.

Can I exchange my home with another Housing Executive tenant?

You can't usually exchange your home with another tenant until your introductory tenancy has ended and you have lived in your home for two years. In exceptional circumstances, the Housing Executive may use its discretion to allow you to exchange your home.

Can I give my home to someone else?

You may be able to give your home to someone who has lived with you in the Housing Executive accommodation for at least 12 months. This is a serious decision and you will no longer have the right to live in the accommodation. Think carefully about your options before you pass on your tenancy. An adviser can help you work out what is the best option for you.