Types of tenancy
Your tenancy agreement will tell you what kind of tenancy you have, which will be:
- A starter (or assured shorthold) tenancy.
- An assured tenancy.
- A secure tenancy (if you started your tenancy before 15 January 1989).
Starter (assured shorthold) tenancy agreement
Starter (assured shorthold) tenancy agreement
This is usually given to new residents. It lasts for 12 months.
During this time, we check that everything is going well. This includes:
- Paying rent on time
- Respecting neighbours
- Following the rules in your agreement
After 12 months, we will review your tenancy. If everything is okay, we will usually offer you an assured tenancy.
Assured and secure tenancy agreements
Assured and secure tenancy agreements
These tenancies let you stay in your home for life, as long as you follow the rules set out in your tenancy agreement.
We can only end these tenancies if:
- We give you a formal notice
- A court agrees with the decision
We may take action if:
- You owe rent
- You cause serious problems for others
- You damage the property
- You refuse to leave if your home becomes unsafe
If you get a notice, please contact us straight away. We will always try to sort things out before going to court.
Tenancy FAQs
Tenancy FAQs
Am I allowed to have a lodger?
What happens if the main tenant dies?
Am I allowed to make home improvements and alterations?
- You can keep fish or small caged animals without asking.
- For other pets (like dogs or cats), please contact us for written permission.
Am I allowed to have a lodger?
- A lodger might help with rent, especially if your home is too big for your needs.
- You must ask us for written permission first.
- You cannot move out and let someone else live in your home.
- You cannot sell your tenancy.
Please contact us if you are interested in having a lodger in your home.
What happens if the main tenant dies?
- A partner or family member may be able to take over the tenancy. This is called succession.
- Please contact us as soon as possible if the main tenant has passed away. We will let you know if you can take over the tenancy or if we can offer you a new one.
- You might be able to buy your home through Right to Buy or Right to Acquire.
- Contact us to find out if this is possible for your home.
Am I allowed to make home improvements and alterations?
We hope you’re happy in your home but we understand that you might want to make some changes.
- You must ask for written permission before making changes to the structure or fittings.
- Find out more about making home improvements, here.
- You cannot make changes during the first 12 months of your tenancy.