Tenancy and licence agreements

These are legal contracts that set out our terms and conditions; making it clear what you are responsible for and what we are responsible for.

Types of agreements

  • Starter

    • The majority of our new customers are given this type of tenancy.
    • Starter Tenancies are usually for 12 months but if you are not meeting the tenancy terms and conditions they can be ended after 6 months.
    • Towards the end of the Starter Tenancy we will review how well you have met the terms and conditions of your tenancy and decide whether to:
      • Offer you another Fixed Term tenancy, and if so the length of that term.
      • Extend the tenancy – this can be up to a maximum of 18 months.
      • End the Tenancy and ask you to leave.

  • Fixed Term Tenancy

    • We usually give this type of tenancy to customers at the end of their Starter Tenancy.
    • These types of tenancy are given for a fixed amount of time – which is usually 5 years, but in some circumstances might be 2 years.
    • Towards the end of the tenancy we will review how well you have met your terms and conditions of tenancy and decide whether to:
      • Offer you another Fixed Term Tenancy or,
      • End the Tenancy and ask you to leave.
    • See the Bromford Deal for more information.

     

An assured tenancy or secure tenancy might sometimes be called a lifetime tenancy - this is because there is no set end date. They can only be ended if you breach the terms of the agreement.

  • Assured

    • Most of our existing customers have this type of tenancy.
    • Some tenants will also have the Right to Acquire their home - please ask your Neighbourhood Coach for more information.
    • Customers who were previously secure tenants either with Cotswold or Lichfield District Councils may also have the Right to Buy. 
    • If you previously had a Secure tenancy with South Gloucestershire Council, you will have been given an Enhanced Assured tenancy in February 2007.  
    • As an Enhanced Assured customer you will have protected rights and will usually have the Right to Buy your home, as long as the home you live in qualifies.

  • Secure

    • We no longer grant this type of tenancy.
    • If your original tenancy began before January 1989 or you have exchanged with someone with a Secure Tenancy then you are likely to have a Secure Tenancy.
    • As a Secure Tenant you usually have the Right to Buy your home, as long as the home you live in qualifies.

  • Licence

    • If the home you live in shares facilities (such as a kitchen) or is short stay (such as a hostel) you will most likely have a Licence

Getting a copy of your agreement

Speak to your neighbourhood coach. You can find their contact details on our neighbourhood coach search.