Housing association tenancies
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Not all housing association tenants have the same protection from eviction. The type of tenancy agreement you have will affect many of your rights, including how and when the housing association can evict you, whether you can pass your tenancy on, and whether you have the right to buy.
Housing associations normally provide secure, assured, assured shorthold, and starter tenancies. However, if you have been involved in antisocial behaviour, they can apply to the courts to demote your tenancy, or can offer you a family intervention tenancy. They should give you a written tenancy agreement that clearly says what type of tenancy you have and outlines your rights and responsibilities.
For a summary of the different types of housing association tenancies, download a free Shelter housing advice booklet.
Starter tenancies
A housing association will give you a starter tenancy as a 12-month trial period at the beginning of your tenancy.
Assured tenancies
Most housing association tenants have assured tenancies, but you should check your status if you are uncertain. If you have another type of housing association tenancy, your rights will be very different.
Assured shorthold tenancies
Housing associations often provide assured shorthold tenancies if the tenancy is temporary, or if it is a starter or demoted tenancy
Secure tenancies
Secure tenants have relatively stronger rights than other housing association tenants.
Demoted tenancies
If you behave antisocially housing associations can demote your tenancy to a less secure type for a certain period of time.
