The biggest difference between council housing accommodation<\/a> and housing associations is the tenancy agreement.<\/p>\n There are two ways people on a low income (or in need of extra support) can get Social Housing. You can:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: The regulation of social housing<\/a> in England allows you to send an application to more than one housing association at a time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So how long does it take to get an association home? Well, anyone who applies for accommodation in one of the housing association homes will be put on a waiting list.\n<\/p>\n As a rule, housing associations will offer a particular type of property to the people who are ‘most suited’ to that type. Hence, you may spend a long time on a waiting list until your accommodation type becomes available.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The rights and responsibilities of people who stay in housing association homes depends on what type of tenancy they have.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a rule, a starter tenancy lasts for no more than twelve (12) months. Hence, they will offer starter tenancies to new housing association tenants because they are considered as being a ‘trial’ period.<\/p>\n In most cases, you would become an assured or fixed term tenant once the one year tenancy has ended, unless the housing association has (either):<\/p>\n Important<\/strong>: Tenancy agreements are legal documents that inform tenants and landlords about the rules of living in the property.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a starter tenancy has ended, if the housing association wants to keep you as a tenant, you would usually be offered (either):<\/p>\n The extra rights that you would get can include:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: The main section has further information about exchanging your council or housing association property<\/a> in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are several ways you can end a tenancy agreement with a housing association, such as by giving four (4) weeks of notice (in writing), or:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Another section explains more about the council and housing association eviction process<\/a> and what would happen at a court hearing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Landlords must ensure that the properties they are renting out are meeting certain standards. Thus, the home must be warm enough to live in, and:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Social housing tenants have the power to ensure their landlord provides the services, support, and advice they need by helping to run a maintenance service. You can read more about how to improve your social housing<\/a> on the GOV.UK website.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can make an official complaint if you have concerns about the standard of your association home, by (either or all):<\/p>\n Housing Ombudsman<\/strong>\n
\nBeing Placed on a Waiting List<\/h2>\n
\nDifferent Types of Tenancies<\/h2>\n
\nStarter Tenancies<\/h2>\n
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\nAssured and Fixed-Term Tenancies<\/h2>\n
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\nEnding a Tenancy Agreement<\/h2>\n
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\nStandards of Housing Association Homes<\/h2>\n
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\nMaking Complaints about Housing Association Homes<\/h2>\n
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\nEmail: info@housing-ombudsman.org.uk<\/a>
\nTelephone: 0300 111 3000<\/a>
\nFind out about UK call rates<\/a><\/p>\n