What type of tenancy
do I have?
Here you can find out what types of tenancy agreements we offer. Make sure you know your rights and what your agreement means for you.
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If you rent a home from us, we offer three types of tenancy Agreement. Your rights and responsibilities depend on what type of tenancy you have.
Starter Tenancies
If you’re renting from us for the first time, you’ll be given a starter tenancy which:
- lasts 12 months as a ‘trial period’
- makes sure you’re able to uphold your responsibilities as a tenant.
Starter Tenancies are a type of assured-shorthold tenancy. If things go well, after the first year, you’ll be offered an assured/lifetime tenancy. Occasionally we extend Starter Tenancies for a further six months.
What are my rights?
Starter tenancies cover all your basic rights as a tenant. But you won’t be able to:
- swap your home via mutual exchange
- assign your tenancy to someone else, unless a court has ordered it
- make improvements to your home
- buy your home
- legally sublet
You’ll get these rights when you move onto an assured/lifetime tenancy.
Assured/lifetime tenancies
After your starter tenancy ends, you’ll be offered an assured/lifetime tenancy. This tenancy allows you to:
- live in your home for as long as you want to
- have more security and rights as a tenant
What are my rights?
You’ll have full legal rights as a social housing tenant. With permission, you will be able to:
- swap your home via mutual exchange
- assign your tenancy to someone else
- make improvements to your home
- buy your home (only applicable to certain homes)
- legally sublet
Fixed term tenancies
We don’t usually offer fixed term tenancies any more. But, if you began renting from us before October 2018, or are a Habitare Homes customer, you may have one. Check your agreement for details.
This type of tenancy:
- is for a fixed period, usually five years
- is also known as assured shorthold tenancies.
When your tenancy is ending, your landlord will decide whether its renewed.
What are my rights?
You will have full legal rights as a social housing tenant. With permission, you will be able to:
- swap your home via mutual exchange
- assign your tenancy to someone else, if we agree
- make improvements to your home
- buy your home (only applicable to certain homes)
- legally sublet.
Tenancy FAQs
These FAQs are applicable to all our tenancy agreements.
What if I have a problem during my tenancy?
You can contact us at any time to report any issues. It’s important to let us know as soon as possible. We always strive to work with you and resolve any problems quickly.
Can I end my tenancy early?
If things aren’t working out, you can end your tenancy at any time. You’ll just need to give us one month’s written notice.
Find out more on the Ending a tenancy page.
Can Grand Union end my tenancy?
If you break the terms of your Agreement, we can end your tenancy. Breaking your terms can include:
- not paying rent
- antisocial behaviour
- illegal subletting.
