Probationary tenancies sound like an awfully nasty way to treat your tenants, but that's really not the case. Instead, they can build a sense of trust and responsibility
Are Probationary tenancies a valuable housing management tool? Or unfair to tenants, labelling them as troublesome, causing them anxiety and making them feel unnecessarily insecure?

West Kent is one of the few registered social landlords in the country that offers all new tenants probationary tenancies (assured shorthold agreements). Probationary tenancies contribute to our new focus on neighbourhoods and communities, and underpin our housing management service.

The decision to introduce probationary tenancies was taken partly as a result of concerns raised by our independent tenant advocacy and participation organisation – the Association of West Kent Tenants. As Margaret Halfpenny, chair of the association, explains: "We were starting to see a sharp rise in social problems, particularly incidents of antisocial behaviour, on estates. This was of real concern to tenants and we wanted to explore all the options available to us."

A Housing Corporation innovation and good practice grant followed, enabling the association to run a pilot probationary tenancy scheme.

Our objectives from the outset were clear. We wanted to tackle some of the typical problems faced by social housing providers – to achieve reductions in crime, nuisance and homelessness and take positive steps to create balanced and sustained communities.

The scheme educates first-time tenants about their responsibilities – not only paying the rent but respect for neighbours and upkeep of homes

The scheme's ethos is to educate first-time tenants about the responsibilities that come with a tenancy. This does not only refer to paying the rent and keeping the garden tidy. It involves budgeting, respect for neighbours and upkeep of their home. For many tenants, particularly those living away from home for the first time, this is a bit of a culture shock.

The approach is based on regular communication between the housing officer and tenant, from sign-up to the end of the probationary period. Each tenant will be visited at three-monthly intervals to check their support needs are being met and make sure they are settling into the community. Any problems are quickly identified and tenants can be offered further assistance or, if necessary, have their probationary period extended with conditions for improvement.

The success of the pilot scheme was such that probationary tenancies have now been fully integrated into West Kent's housing management service. The tenants' association has been fully supportive of the approach and helped to communicate our objectives to tenants, and the local authority has also given its backing. "West Kent is far more relaxed about housing new tenants with a range of challenges and support needs," says Pat Smith, head of housing at Sevenoaks council. "We work in partnership with them to ensure tenants have the support they need to maintain their tenancy in the longer term."

Sevenoaks case study

Mr and Mrs Purves (not their real name) moved into a two-bedroom house in Edenbridge after Sevenoaks council had accepted them as homeless. Within the first month, their rent account was in arrears and they failed to keep an appointment with me to discuss this. After two months, they had been served with a possession notice. Eventually the case was referred to court because, despite repeated warnings, they had failed to keep to the agreements they had made to pay off their rent arrears. I visited them before their court appearance and went through their income and expenditure so we could establish a reasonable amount for them to pay. By the time they went to court, their arrears had been reduced and they were keeping to their agreement. The case was adjourned. A month later they had breached their order and West Kent again had to apply to the court. I wrote to them informing of this. Mr Purves came to the office and was very abusive. I warned him he was in breach of his tenancy agreement but, as he continued to be abusive, was forced to terminate the interview and write to him warning him he could fail his probationary tenancy. He later rang me to apologise. I visited them to tell them that, although I did not want them to fail their probationary tenancy, I would not take verbal abuse. I explained that I would help them all I could but they had to work with me. Since then, we have had no problems. They are on a full assured tenancy, have paid off their arrears and I visit them regularly to ensure there are no further problems. Our relationship is now a good one.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Joanne Drew is housing and communities director at West Kent Housing Association