Types of tenancy
Your type of tenancy affects how secure your home is, what your landlord must do, and what responsibilities you have. Knowing your type of tenancy helps you understand your rights and what’s expected from both sides.
1. Secure tenancy (council tenants – mainly pre-2012)
Lifetime tenancy offered by most local councils
Tenants’ rights
- Stay in your home as long as you follow the rules
- Right to Buy after 3 years
- Can pass tenancy to a spouse or, in some cases, family members
- Take in lodgers or sublet part of your home (with permission)
- Right to Mutual Exchange
Landlord obligations
- Keep your home safe and in good repair
- Follow strict legal processes to evict tenants only if rules are broken
- Respond to repair requests within a reasonable time
Your responsibilities
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the home in good condition
- Respect neighbours and follow tenancy rules
2. Assured tenancy (mainly housing association tenants)
Similar to a secure tenancy but used by housing associations
Tenants’ rights
- Stay in your home as long as you follow the rules
- May qualify for Right to Acquire (smaller discount than Right to Buy)
- Succession rights are usually limited to a spouse or partner living with the tenant
- Right to Mutual Exchange
Landlord obligations
- Keep the property in good repair
- Eviction only through court order and legal notice
- Consult tenants on major changes to tenancy or service charges
Your responsibilities
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the home in good condition
- Respect neighbours and follow tenancy rules
3. Fixed-term tenancy (5–10 years, sometimes less)
Used by some councils and housing associations instead of lifetime tenancies
Tenants’ rights
- Tenancy protected during the fixed term unless rules are broken
- At the end of the term, tenancy may be renewed or ended
- Some fixed-term tenants may have limited exchange or succession rights — check with landlord
Landlord obligations
- Review the tenancy before it ends
- Offer advice and options if not renewed
- Repairs and safety standards apply
Your responsibilities
- Keep up with rent and tenancy terms
- Prepare to move if tenancy is not renewed
4. Introductory or starter tenancy (first 12 months)
Trial period for new council or housing association tenants
Tenants’ rights
- Limited – easier to evict during this period
- No Right to Buy or Exchange
- If successful, tenancy usually becomes secure or assured after 12 months
Landlord obligations
- Give clear reasons and notice if ending tenancy
- Carry out repairs and meet safety standards
Your responsibilities
- Show you can manage the tenancy (pay rent, avoid complaints)
- Anti-social behaviour or rent arrears can lead to quick eviction
5. Fully mutual housing co-operatives
- Tenants are members, members are tenants
- Tenancy characteristics:
- Usually periodic, continuing until either tenant or co-op gives proper notice
- Security comes from co-operative policies and internal decision-making, not statutory protections
Tenant/member responsibilities
- Pay rent and service charges on time
- Respect other members and follow co-operative rules
- Participate in co-operative decisions where possible
Notes
- Mutual Exchange may be possible — check your agreement
- Succession rights are typically limited or governed by co-op rules
Not sure which tenancy you have?
- Request a copy of your tenancy agreement from your landlord
- Get advice from local housing advisors or tenants’ rights groups
Useful links on this website
Local Authority tenants’ rights
Housing Association tenants’ rights
Links on other websites
Gov.uk – Local Authority tenants
Gov.uk – Housing Association tenants
Legal links
Discover more on this website