What are the different types of social housing landlord in England?
In England, there are a few different types of social housing landlord. These include:
- local authorities or councils (This is sometimes called 'council housing'.)
- housing associations
- housing cooperatives
- specialist/supported housing providers (eg charitable trusts)
- housing trusts (Similar to housing associations, they are often set up to manage homes formerly owned by local councils.)
What are the different kinds of social housing tenancy in England?
Most social landlords offer what is called an assured tenancy. This means that your tenancy lasts while you stay in the home, as long as you do not breach any conditions of the tenancy. These are listed in your tenancy agreement.
Private landlords are more likely to issue a 'fixed-term tenancy' or an assured shorthold tenancy. They last for a set time and are often for shorter periods. They usually offer fewer rights and can cost more. From 1 May 2026, fixed-term tenancies are no longer lawful in England. They are replaced by assured periodic tenancies. These are on a rolling basis. This means they stay in place until the landlord or the tenant serves notice to end them.
What are my rights if I live in social housing in England?
Landlords in England, including social housing landlords, must make sure that their properties are 'fit for human habitation'. This means homes must be safe to live in. This applies even if you pay your rent through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. There are lots of things that can make a home unfit for human habitation. This includes things like damp, mould or noise. If you believe your home may not meet this standard, you should contact Shelter or Citizens Advice.
What are my responsibilities as a social housing tenant in England?
Your tenancy agreement sets out your responsibilities. It is likely to list things you must do, like paying rent and keeping the home clean. Some social landlords also give out simple guides, such as tenant information booklets.
If you aren't sure what your responsibilities are, you should contact your landlord.
What documents do I need to sign if I live in social housing in England?
Your landlord may ask you to sign a written agreement. This may be called a tenancy agreement or assured shorthold tenancy.
If your landlord asks you to sign a document, you should make sure you understand what it says and why you need to sign. If you are not sure, you should speak to Citizens Advice.
What are the different kinds of landlord in Wales?
In Wales, social housing landlords are called 'community landlords'. Community landlords include local authorities, housing associations and registered social landlords.
People or companies who rent out properties privately are called private landlords.
What are the different kinds of social housing tenancy in Wales?
Community landlords usually offer 'secure contracts'. These give more security because they are 'periodic'. This means they do not end after a certain number of weeks, months or years.
Most private landlords are more likely to use what is known as a 'standard contract'. Standard contracts can be fixed term or periodic. There are cases in which a community landlord might issue a standard contract. This might happen for supported accommodation.
What are my rights if I live in social housing in Wales?
If you have a secure contract, your landlord can only change the terms of the contract in a very few situations. Private landlords who use standard contracts have more freedom to change contract terms.
You have the right to live in the home without your landlord interfering. This means they can only enter your home for reasons listed in your contract. For example, they can enter to carry out repairs.
Your landlord can only move to take back the property in certain cases. This could be because you provide them with notice or, in some cases, if you breach the occupation contract.
Landlords in Wales must make sure that their properties are 'fit for human habitation'. They must keep their property in good repair. You must tell your landlord if you believe there are works or repairs that need to be fixed. There are 29 standards that a property must meet to be considered fit to live in. These include standards on things like damp, mould and water supply. You can get more information from ShelterCymru.
What are my responsibilities if I live in social housing in Wales?
Your occupation contract (known before as a tenancy agreement) contains come of the things you must do. This could be things like:
- taking proper care of the property
- letting the landlord know of any defects that need to be fixed
- not keeping anything in the property that may be a health and safety risk.
It is a fundamental term that you must not act in an anti-social way at the home. This means it is part of all secure contracts.
What documents do I need to sign if I live in social housing in Wales?
The most important document is your occupation contract. In the past, this was called a tenancy agreement or assured shorthold tenancy. It sets out what your landlord must do. It also sets out some of your rights. You may be asked to sign it. Even if you do not sign, it will still be valid.
In Wales, your landlord may give you other forms. For example, they need to let you know if they change address or if they plan to make a claim to take possession of the home.
If your landlord asks you to sign a document and you are not sure what it means, you should speak to Citizens Advice.
What are the differences between renting privately and social housing in Wales?
Many things are the same whether you are renting privately or living in social housing in Wales. For example, all landlords must keep their homes fit for human habitation. But there are key differences:
- Private landlords must register with Rent Smart Wales. If they don't, they can be prosecuted. Community landlords do not need to register.
- Community landlords will (most of the time) issue secure contracts. This means there is no fixed time frame for you to stay in the home.