No landlord in their right mind will give you a secure tenancy.

It gives the tenant too much power and makes them impossible to get rid of even if they don't pay the rent.

The Short Answer - No.

The Long Answer - The Housing Act 1985 provides for the grant of "Secure Tenancies" only by public (eg council) or quasi-public (housing association) landlords.

Secure Tenancies can't be terminated except by court order, and only then for specific grounds... Secure Tenants also have a right to buy, and in some cases can even leave the tenancy to a family member if they die.


For Private Landlords, all tenancies created since 1989 of under £20,000 a year rent are "Assured Shorthold Tenancies." The longest period is 1 year, and the landlord can gain possession at the end of the tenancy for any reason simply by serving 2 months notice.

The purpose of the Act was basically to try to persuade private landlords to make a lot more rental property available.... so that there was SOMETHING left to rent after the councils were given the right to sell off their houses.



If I were living in council, then I'd look seriously at Right to Buy, or stay put, or accept that I'd be giving up security by moving into private rented - if what you want is a bigger council place, have a look at whether you can do a swap with someone.