A London council is planning to introduce two year tenancies for all single people aged under 25.
Barnet is proposing to bring in the rule for new tenants from April as part of a shake up of its housing allocation policies.
The blanket restriction comes despite government directions to the social housing regulator, the Tenant Services Authority, that tenancies of fewer than five years should only be issued in ‘exceptional circumstances’.
Under Barnet’s plans young people would have their tenancies reviewed every two years, and the agreements would be conditional on unemployed tenants taking part in skills, education, or training that could lead to a job.
New tenants who are aged over 25 would be offered a five year tenancy, the standard minimum outlined by the government.
In common with other councils that are currently reviewing their tenancy policies to take advantage of new powers in the Localism Act, Barnet is also looking to prioritise social housing for servicemen and women, and at measures to tackle under occupation.
Tom Davey, cabinet member for housing, said: ‘Rather than a home for life irrespective of your circumstances, we are looking at how we can use the Localism Bill to support people in housing need in Barnet given our limited housing stock.
‘Our overarching aim is to make sure that the council’s housing stock is used as effectively as possible to provide homes for Barnet residents who are unable to find a home in the private sector. This can be done by helping people move on from council housing once they are earning enough to be able to rent or buy a home of their own.’
Article from Inside Housing