1. Starter Tenancy
- Who it’s for: New tenants
- Duration: Usually 12 months
- Purpose: Acts as a trial period to assess if the tenant can manage the tenancy responsibly
- What happens next: If successful, it often converts to an assured or fixed-term tenancy
2. Assured Tenancy
- Who it’s for: Long-term tenants
- Rights: Includes the right to repair, exchange homes, and sometimes buy your home under the Right to Acquire scheme
- Security: High — tenants can usually stay as long as they comply with the agreement.
- Eviction: Only possible under specific legal grounds.
- Common Use: Often used by housing associations for long-term housing.
3. Fixed-Term Tenancy
- Duration: Typically 5 years
- Review: At the end of the term, the housing association decides whether to renew
- Flexibility: Offers more structure but less permanence than an assured tenancy
4. Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
- Less common with housing associations but still used in some cases
- Duration: Usually 6–12 months
- Security: Lower — easier for the landlord to end the tenancy after the fixed term
- Eviction: Easier for landlords after the fixed term ends.
- Use: Less common for housing associations but still used in some cases.
🧾 Key Features Across Tenancy Types
- Rent: Generally lower than private market rates
- Support: Many housing associations offer community services, budgeting help, and maintenance support
- Regulation: Governed by the Regulator of Social Housing in England (or equivalent bodies in devolved nations)
If you’re thinking about applying or switching tenancies, understanding these types can help you make the best choice for your situation.