A social landlord can apply for a demotion order where a tenant has engaged in anti-social behaviour or used the premises for unlawful purposes (section 82A, Housing Act 1985; section 6A, Housing Act 1996).

A tenant remaining in a property following a demotion order, will occupy it under a demoted tenancy (section 20B, Housing Act 1988; section 143A, Housing Act 1996).

Provided the tenant does not cause nuisance or breach their tenancy obligations during the demoted tenancy term, they should regain their previous tenancy status after 12 months.

A demoted tenant (who previously had a secure tenancy) has some of the same rights as a secure tenant, but cannot, for example, use the right to buy scheme or deal with their tenancy whilst it is demoted.

For more information, see Practice note, Demoted tenancies.