The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has welcomed the government announcement that there will now be a regulatory requirement that fixed term tenancies should normally last for a minimum of five years.

The revised draft direction on tenure requires that any exceptional circumstances where the tenancy may be less than five years will need to be set out by the social landlord in a tenancy policy.

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CIH Deputy Chief Executive, Grainia Long, said: "We are delighted that Grant Shapps has listened to housing professionals’ concerns and increased the minimum tenure of flexible tenancies to five years. This is the right decision and it’s to the government’s credit that it has taken the sector’s strong views on this issue on board.

"For many local authorities, landlords and residents the hard work in making these policy changes has already begun. CIH is committed to ensuring that both individuals and organisations have the support they need. To this end we will shortly be issuing guidance on developing tenancy policy."

(CD/GK)