Tenancy Policy
This policy sets out the type of tenancies Bernicia offers, the circumstances in which they are used and outlines Bernicia’s approach to managing and sustaining tenancies. It covers all rented accommodation including general needs (social and affordable rent), retirement, long and short term supported, extra care and rent to buy.
This policy does not apply to market rent or shared ownership.
Bernicia’s Tenancy Policy explains how tenancies are created, managed and ended, and sets out the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and the organisation. It covers different tenancy types, tenancy sign-up arrangements, and the support available to help people maintain successful tenancies and remain in their homes.
The policy focuses on sustaining tenancies wherever possible through early intervention, advice, support and referrals to specialist services. While Bernicia will take action where tenancy conditions are broken, eviction is used only as a last resort after reasonable support and intervention has been offered.
The policy also explains how Bernicia manages issues such as succession, mutual exchanges, lodgers, tenancy fraud, abandonment, property alterations, pets, neighbourhood standards and access for essential safety checks. It sets out clear expectations for tenants while ensuring decisions are fair, proportionate and take account of individual circumstances and vulnerabilities.