Tenancy types

If you live in supported housing you may have (or be offered) an assured shorthold tenancy.

This type of tenancy gives you fewer rights than an assured tenancy.

For example, the housing association can get the property back after six months (by giving you two months’ notice).

As an assured tenant you must, for example:

• pay the rent on time
• keep the property in good condition
• make sure that anyone living at, or visiting the property does not cause a nuisance to neighbours
• not use the property for doing something illegal – e.g. drug dealing
• let workmen into your property to carry out repairs

As an assured tenant you normally have the right to, for example:

• live in your home for the rest of your life – unless the housing association needs to move you to another property, eg because of redevelopment
• buy your home after a certain amount of time at a discount – this is called the ‘Right to Acquire’
• have your home repaired – most repairs are the responsibility of your housing association, though you are likely to be responsible for minor maintenance
• transfer your tenancy to someone else, with the housing association’s permission
• Demoted tenancies’ – fewer rights if you cause problems

If you are involved in anti-social behaviour your housing association may ‘demote’ your tenancy. This means you lose certain rights for a period of time and can be evicted more easily if you continue to misbehave.

Anti-social behaviour includes:

• causing a nuisance to your neighbours – even if it is someone who visits your home who is responsible
• using your home for something illegal – such as drug dealing
• vandalism and graffiti