3.1 A Notice to Quit (NTQ) is a legal instrument to end a tenancy that can be provided by a tenant or a landlord to terminate the tenancy.

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1 Tenancy Policy 1. Scope 1.1 This policy outlines our approach to issuing, reviewing and terminating tenancies and licences for all rented properties across the Peabody Group. This does not include agency managed properties. 1.2 This policy does not cover leaseholders and freeholders. 1.3 If there is any variance between this policy and individual tenancy agreements or addendums, the tenancy agreement or addendum will take precedence. 2. Aims and Objectives 2.1 The aims of this policy are to ensure: clear guidance is provided and the appropriate tenancy is granted all residents are treated in a fair and equitable manner 3. Key terms and definitions 3.1 A Notice to Quit (NTQ) is a legal instrument to end a tenancy that can be provided by a tenant or a landlord to terminate the tenancy. 3.2 We define vulnerability as being any condition or circumstance that puts an individual or household at risk of losing their home, or any situation which, without support or intervention, places them at risk of abuse, neglect or causes detriment to their overall wellbeing. 4. Policy 4.1 We will only offer a tenancy to those who can provide evidence to confirm: they have UK or EU citizenship; they have been granted indefinite or limited leave to remain in the UK; or they have applied for an extension of their leave to remain if it has expired. 4.2 We will not offer an assured tenancy to an applicant who has been granted limited leave to remain in the UK, or who can provide evidence to confirm that they have applied for an extension of their leave to remain in the UK if it has expired we will instead offer an assured shorthold tenancy. Tenancy Types 4.3 We will issue assured shorthold tenancies to general needs, affordable rent, market and intermediate market rent tenants on either a fixed term or periodic basis. We will not issue assured shorthold tenancies where exceptions outlined in 4.4 and 4.5 of this policy apply.

2 4.4 We will issue assured tenancies to: tenants who were social housing tenants on 1 April 2012, and have remained so since (excluding secure Peabody tenants); those moving internally into older people s housing who have an existing assured tenancy; or where restrictive covenants, planning consents or any other restrictions prevent us from issuing an assured shorthold tenancy. 4.5 We will issue secure tenancies to existing secure Peabody Group tenants transferring to another general needs or sheltered social housing property we will not issue such tenants with assured shorthold or assured tenancies. 4.6 We will issue a 12 month fixed-term starter tenancy to new tenants moving into older people s (sheltered) accommodation, unless the tenant has an existing Peabody Group assured or secure tenancy. The starter tenancy will convert to a full assured tenancy at the end of this period, unless the landlord has taken steps to end the tenancy or agreed to extend the shorthold period. 4.7 We will grant our care and support customers an appropriate tenancy or licence in accordance with their needs and the type of accommodation. 4.8 We will provide information to all new tenants on the consequences of signing a tenancy to ensure that their rights and obligations are carefully understood. 4.9 We will be explicit about the conditions for ending a tenancy at tenancy sign up and subsequent tenancy reviews. General needs: Fixed term tenancies 4.10 We will issue fixed term assured shorthold tenancies to general needs tenants for a period of six years, including a 12-month probationary period, with the exception of the following individuals or groups: Older people those within five years of the state pension age, where there is no prospect of under-occupation in the future. Those with a substantial, long-term, illness or disability who are unable to work (as evidenced by receipt of Employment and Support Allowance or Personal Independence Payment) or where their property requires significant adaptation. Victims of domestic abuse who are being rehoused. Internal transfers from existing, Assured or Secure tenancies In exceptional circumstances, we may grant a fixed term tenancy for a period of less than six years, where approved at Director level. We will not grant a fixed term tenancy for a period of under two years. Probationary period review 4.12 We will monitor tenancies during their probationary period, with a home visit to conduct a settling- in visit, usually held after 6 weeks unless vulnerabilities require an earlier visit, followed by a full tenancy review after 9 months, to decide whether to terminate the tenancy, extend the probationary period or continue to the full fixed term tenancy.

3 4.13 We will assist tenants in their probationary period to sustain their tenancies through a programme of early interventions and clear communication of remedies for tenancy breaches. We will signpost tenants to our services which may assist them, including: employment and training services; community safety; tenant and family support; and welfare benefits advice We may extend the probationary period of a fixed term tenancy from 12 months to 18 months where we have concerns around how the tenancy is being managed. This may include where a breach of tenancy has occurred but the breach is not serious enough to warrant possession action, or where we are still monitoring the tenant s behaviour. We will undertake a full tenancy review after 15 months to decide whether to end or continue the tenancy We will notify a tenant in writing of any decision we make to extend the probationary period or end the tenancy and will explain the reasons for this decision in writing. Monitoring fixed term tenancies 4.16 We will formally monitor fixed term tenancies, through reviews after 1 year, 2.5 years and 5 years, and will address any tenancy management issues throughout the tenancy. Reviews may happen on a more frequent basis, dependant on support requirements. We will signpost tenants to our services which may assist them, where appropriate, including: employment and training services; community safety; tenant and family support; and welfare benefits advice Where appropriate or requested an action plan of positive agreements may be developed with the tenant to include education, employment and community aims. This will not constitute a formal part of the tenancy, however will be updated at each tenancy review We will review fixed term tenancies at least six months before the end of the tenancy term to decide whether to grant another fixed term tenancy We expect a tenant to engage with us during the tenancy review and provide information and documentation as requested. Where a tenant fails to do so, we will make a decision on whether to grant a further fixed term tenancy on the basis of the information available We will review progress with a tenant during the sixth year of their tenancy, where we have identified that we may not renew their tenancy, and will provide the tenant with reasonable information, advice and assistance in relation to rehousing For care and support customers, the decision to extend, terminate or convert a tenancy will be based on customer need for and engagement with the care and support service provided. Ending fixed term tenancies 4.22 We may terminate a tenancy or refuse to grant or continue a fixed term tenancy either to a tenant in their probationary period or a fixed term tenant for the following reasons:

4 There is a change in circumstances and the tenant(s) is under occupied by two or more bedrooms, the property is overcrowded or the property has been adapted and there are no household members who require the adaptations providing the tenant has been offered a suitable alternative property. Where it is not possible to make such an offer before the expiry of the fixed term, the tenancy will convert to a periodic assured shorthold tenancy until such a time that an offer can be made; There has been a breach of the tenancy agreement. We will follow our relevant policies and procedures (such as those relating to rent arrears, unauthorised occupancy and anti-social behaviour) where this has failed to address the breach of the tenancy agreement we will end the tenancy; Where for any other reason we no longer consider the tenant to be in need of social housing We will issue a tenant with at least 6 months notice where we decide to terminate, not continue or not grant a new fixed term tenancy, and will outline in writing the reasons for this decision Where we are not renewing the tenancy, we will provide reasonable advice and assistance to the tenant to find suitable alternative accommodation, where appropriate. Granting another Fixed Term Tenancy 4.25 Where the criteria of the final review for the fixed term tenancy have been met, we will grant another five-year fixed term tenancy with no probationary period. The same conditions for monitoring, reviewing and ending these tenancies will apply In exceptional circumstances, a fixed term tenancy may be granted for a period of longer or shorter than the standard five-year fixed term tenancy We will not issue a fixed term tenancy for a period of less than 2 years. Care and Support 4.27 For care and support customers, the decision to extend, terminate or convert a tenancy or terminate a licence will be based on the same principles as a general needs fixed term tenancy outlined in 4.21, with the additional consideration of customer need for and engagement with the care and support service provided We will always seek to engage with, support and encourage care and support customers to sustain their tenancy before initiating the tenancy termination process. Market Rent and Intermediate Market Rent 4.29 We will let market and intermediate market rent properties on a contractual monthly periodic assured shorthold tenancy where a possession order cannot be made to take effect within the first six months and the tenant may not terminate the tenancy for at least 6 months without Peabody s consent unless there is a severe breach of tenancy. Once the minimum term of 6 months has expired, the tenancy will run on a month by month basis, until written notice is given by either party.

5 Regency Properties 4.30 Our approach to management of our Regency portfolio is outlined in the Regency Portfolio Policy. Ending a tenancy (by a resident) 4.31 A tenant must give Peabody at least four weeks notice in writing if they want to end their tenancy at any point following sign-up. For the Notice to Quit (NTQ) to be valid, it must give Peabody a full four weeks notice. Tenants are responsible for paying rent until the NTQ expires and the tenancy ends. Ending a tenancy (by Peabody: assured and secure tenancies) 4.32 We will only terminate a tenancy and take possession action after all other alternatives have been explored Possession action may be taken if there has been a breach of the tenancy agreement. We will follow our relevant policies and procedures such as those relating to rent arrears, unauthorised occupancy and anti-social behaviour. Where this has failed to address the breach of the tenancy, we will end the tenancy. Appeals 4.34 A tenant may appeal in writing against the following decisions, providing the appeal is made within 21 days of our decision being made: a decision to terminate their tenancy; a decision to extend their starter tenancy or probation period; a decision relating to the length of the fixed term of their tenancy; and a decision relating to the type of tenancy offered. We will respond to an appeal within 21 days of it being submitted. Decants 4.35 We will grant tenants who have been moved into alternative accommodation during any redevelopment or other works a tenancy with no less security of tenure on their return to settled accommodation, as outlined in the Decants Policy. Vulnerability 4.36 We will make referrals to internal and external services as appropriate, and take reasonable steps to address any vulnerability in line with our Vulnerable Persons Policy. 5. Monitoring and continuous improvement 5.1 This policy will be reviewed every 3 years unless legislation, business or sector developments require otherwise to ensure that it continues to meet the stated objectives and take account of good practice developments. 6. Legislation and regulation Housing Act 1988

6 Localism Act 2011 Equality Act 2010 Landlord and Tenant Act 1988 Protection from Eviction Act 1977 Related Documents: Succession and Assignment Policy Lettings Policy Under-occupation Policy Rent Setting Policy Tenancy procedures Death of a Resident Procedure Ending a Tenancy Procedure Joint Tenants Policy Abandonment Policy Parking Policy Vulnerable Persons Policy Regency Portfolio Policy Eviction of Vulnerable Residents guidance note. Decants Policy Mutual Exchange Policy Rent Collection Policy Vulnerable Persons Policy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Approval Version number V1.0 Approved by Steve Thomas. Regional Director West Approval date Effective from April 2018 Date of next review April 2021 Policy owner Steve Thomas. Regional Director West Policy author Alice Cheatle, Planning and Policy Officer Consultation Housing Policy Group Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) TBC Data Protection Assessment (DPIA) N/A Version control Date Author Version Details of review