Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick and Dr Beth Wells from Heriot-Watt
University have issued a report on the impact of fixed-term
tenancies.
Findings from their first wave of research on social housing
includes views from landlords and tenants, as well as other
stakeholders.
The research found that fixed-term tenancies can cause
considerable anxiety for some tenants, particularly those with a
disability or health problems and for families with children. It
suggests that some social landlords who were initially most
enthusiastic about fixed-term tenancies have become disillusioned
about them because it seems unlikely they will generate any
significant number of additional lettings. There are also concerns
about administrative cost and complexity and the potential to
destabilise communities.
The government has set out plans in the Housing and Planning
Bill to phase out secure lifetime tenancies and require councils to
introduce fixed-term tenancies for future lettings. The research
may provide valuable insight for councils and their tenants in
drafting plans for implementing the new legislation.
Read the full report.