Introductory tenancy eviction: your right to a review

Are you an introductory tenant of a council? Your tenancy is less protected than a secure tenant's. But you are not without rights. If the council is trying to end your tenancy during the introductory period, you have the right to ask for a review. Here is how introductory tenancies work and what to do if you face eviction.

Key facts

• Ministry of Justice figures show landlords made 22,733 possession claims in the county courts of England and Wales in January to March 2026, with 6,888 repossessions carried out by county court bailiffs. Mortgage and landlord possession statistics, GOV.UK
• In the same quarter there were 16,848 possession orders and 10,172 warrants, each down on the same period a year earlier. Mortgage and landlord possession statistics, GOV.UK

What is an introductory tenancy?

Most councils start new tenancies as introductory tenancies under the Housing Act 1996. It is a trial period, usually 12 months. Some councils extend it to 18 months in certain cases.

During the introductory period:

• You do not have the full security a secure tenant has
• The council can end the tenancy more easily
• Some secure-tenant rights, like the right to buy, are not open to you yet

If the introductory period ends without the council moving to end your tenancy, it automatically becomes a secure tenancy.

How can the council evict an introductory tenant?

To evict an introductory tenant, the council must:

1. Serve a notice of proceedings. A written notice saying they intend to seek possession, giving 28 days and explaining their reasons.
2. Tell you about your right to a review. The notice must say you can ask for the decision to be reviewed.
3. Apply to the court. After the notice period, if you have not left, the council asks the court for a possession order. The court must grant it if the council followed the right steps.

The review is the key protection. Use it.

Your right to request a review

You have 14 days from receiving the notice to ask for a review. Put the request in writing to the council.

The review is done by a senior council officer who was not part of the original decision, or sometimes an independent panel. You have the right to:

• Put your case in writing
• Attend and speak in person, though the council decides whether to hold a hearing
• Bring a friend, advice worker, or representative

The reviewer must tell you the decision, and the reasons, before the date given in the notice of proceedings.

What can you argue at the review?

• The facts are wrong. For example, you dispute the anti-social behaviour claims or the arrears figures.
• The process was not followed. For example, you were not given proper notice.
• Something important was ignored. For example, a disability, a mental health condition, or domestic abuse that explains the conduct complained about.
• The decision is over the top. For example, one incident is not serious enough to justify losing your home.

What happens after the review?

If the review upholds the decision, the council can go to court. At that point your options narrow. The court must grant possession if the process was correct, even if you dispute the underlying story.

If the review goes your way, the council must not pursue possession on that basis.

Can you appeal to the court?

You can appeal the review decision to the county court, but only on a point of law: the review itself was flawed. For example, the reviewer had a conflict of interest. Or the decision was made in an unfair or irrational way. This is not a rerun of the facts. You will usually need legal advice for this route.

If the disrepair is relevant

Is serious disrepair part of the story behind any arrears or problems? Broken heating, damp and mould, or structural faults? Say so in the review. The state of the home may explain rent arrears. It may also show the council has not met its own obligations. Raise it clearly in your written case.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

If your introductory tenancy home has disrepair and you are facing eviction, call us on 0800 030 4669.

No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Housing Act 1996, Part 5 (introductory tenancies) (legislation.gov.uk)

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