Social tenants

If you’re a married couple, civil partners, or have been living together as a couple for at least 12 months, you’re eligible for a joint fixed-term tenancy agreement. Both of you must sign the agreement at the start of your tenancy, as a joint tenancy can’t be set up during an existing fixed-term tenancy period. Joint tenancies aren’t possible between other relations, such as mother and son, or brother and sister.

If you have a lifetime tenancy, your tenancy agreement has no set end date, meaning you can live in your property until you choose to move out. These tenancies are often called secure or assured (non-shorthold) tenancies.

If you’re a social housing tenant with a lifetime tenancy, you’ll keep your security of tenure if you transfer to another social rent home, or are required to move by us. If you choose to move to an affordable rent property, you’ll usually be offered a five-year fixed-term tenancy.

If you’re moving into one of our retirement properties, you’ll usually be offered a 12-month starter tenancy. Following a successful probationary period, you’ll get the long-term security of an assured (non-shorthold) tenancy.

If you’re already a council or housing association tenant and you’re transferring to one of our retirement properties, you won’t need a probationary starter tenancy and will be offered an assured (non-shorthold) tenancy.

If you have extra care needs, you’ll usually be offered an assured shorthold tenancy. This will last as long as you require the same level of care, the funding for the care is available and your tenancy conditions are maintained.