Moving in
If you are joining us as a new tenant, you will be an 'Introductory Tenant' for at least the first year. An introductory tenancy is a trial period, before you become a secure tenant. Introductory tenants have fewer rights than secure tenants, and their tenancies can be ended more easily if you break the tenancy conditions.
Introductory tenancy agreement [pdf document 4.8mb]
We can add an extra 6 months to an introductory tenancy if we think we need to. This means an introductory tenancy can last for 18 months. This may happen if any of the tenancy conditions have been broken.
Provided that there are no problems or rent arrears, the tenancy converts to a 'Secure Tenancy' after 12/18 months. You first need to apply to be on the council list before you can become a tenant.
Secure tenancy agreement [pdf document 4.9mb]
It is important that you refer to your Tenancy Agreement for full details of your rights and responsibilities.
When you move in, we will give you:
You need to tell the following organisations that you have moved:
- Gas and electric provider
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Department for work and pensions, Housing Benefit and Council Tax if you claim benefit
- DVLA for your driving licence [external site]
- Councils Elections Office to update the electoral register
- TV Licensing [external site]
- Bank
- If you have children, inform the school they attend
- Post Office [external site] to redirect your mail
Your tenancy starts on the date shown on your tenancy agreement. This is when you become the legal tenant. From then on you are responsible for the property and for
paying the rent. We will visit you soon after you move in to see how you are settling in and to discuss any problems you may have.
We are fully committed to promoting equality and diversity for all our clients and have provided training for all our staff. The Corporate Equalities Policy (part of the Corporate Equalities Review and Plan) commits Darlington Borough Council to the Equalities agenda.