HOUSING bosses are introducing a new type of tenancy in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour in council-owned homes.

Tenants in authority homes in York will be on probation for a year after temporary contracts are brought in from September.

The introductory tenancy replaces the immediate secure tenancy and means a tenant's occupancy will only be made permanent if their behaviour is acceptable.

The housing department's contracts manager Tony Brittain said: "For some of our customers, the problems of nuisance and antisocial behaviour has brought about illness, stress and, in extreme circumstances, has caused people to leave their homes.

"There has also been an increase in recent years in the number of people failing to pay their rent.

"Though we won't be able to use the introductory tenancies to evict at will, they will give victims of anti-social behaviour greater protection and should fast-track the evictions of tenants who persistently cause problems for others."

Leases will be monitored during the first year and residents will be kept informed of how they are progressing.

Tenants causing a minor nuisance or falling behind with their rent will be issued with a warning. Problem offenders will receive a formal notice.