As a social landlord, we offer different ways for people to live in our homes — like renting, leasing, or shared ownership — so we can meet the diverse needs of our customers and communities. We call these ‘tenure types’ and you can find more details about each option below.

Tenancy agreements

Our tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and us, as your landlord. It includes information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

We offer different types of tenancy agreements to meet legal requirements and to make sure we’re providing the right support for each customer.

This page explains the types of tenancy agreements we offer. You can also read our Lettings Policy for more information.

To view your own tenancy agreement, log in to Connect, our customer portal, or contact us.

Our housing options (tenure types)

We provide a range of affordable housing options. These vary because tenure and tenancy rules have changed over time due to government policies and how new homes are funded and built.

Social rent homes

Most of our homes are available for social rent. They include houses, flats, bungalows and homes for people over 50 or those living with disabilities or learning difficulties.

We follow strict government rules about how much rent we can charge for these properties. Our social-rented homes usually cost about 40% less than market rent.

 Most social rent customers start with a starter tenancy agreement. After a six-month probation period, this usually becomes an Assured tenancy.

Affordable rent homes

Some of our homes are available at affordable rent. These are different from social rent homes and are let at around 20% below local market rents. Affordable rent homes are usually newer properties.

Most affordable rent customers start with a six-month starter tenancy. If everything goes well during this time, it becomes an Assured tenancy.

Rent to Buy homes

The Rent to Buy scheme helps you save for a deposit while renting your home. You can rent the property for up to five years at 20% below market rent, giving you time to save and eventually buy it.

Customers will start with a starter tenancy agreement, which becomes an Assured tenancy after a successful probation period. When customers are ready to buy their home with a mortgage, they move to a lease agreement under the Shared Ownership scheme.

Shared Ownership

If you want to buy a home but can’t afford the full deposit or mortgage, Shared Ownership might be for you.

You can buy between 10% and 75% of the home’s market value and pay rent on the rest. You’ll sign a lease agreement from the start.

You can find more information about Shared Ownership – and current properties available to buy – on our sales website. Our Shared Ownership policy is also available to view and download here.

Our tenancies 

Assured shorthold (standard starter tenancy)

This is the standard tenancy for most new customers. It lasts six months and, if all goes well, becomes an Assured non-shorthold tenancy.

Assured non-shorthold – without Protected Right to Buy (PRTB)

This is for:

  • Customers progressing from a starter tenancy
  • Customers transferring between our homes
  • New customers who've had Assured non-shorthold or Secure tenancies with another housing association or local authority continuously since before April 2012.

Assured non-shorthold – with Protected Right to Buy (PRTB)

This is for customers who’ve been with Alliance Homes since before our homes transferred from North Somerset Council in February 2006, and are moving to another Alliance Homes property. This type of agreement preserves the customer’s Right to Buy. 

Contractual – homeless (placements)

Used for temporary housing arranged by the local council. This is not an Assured tenancy.

Fixed-term starter tenancy

 This is an agreement we use before a fixed-term tenancy. It is an Assured shorthold (starter) tenancy that is replaced by a fixed-term tenancy (usually five years) after a successful probation period of six months.

Fixed-term Assured shorthold

Used for a specific period (usually five years), for homes that are in high demand, such as:

  • Properties with four or more bedrooms (including any room which could reasonably be used as a bedroom)
  • Homes that have been significantly adapted.

You can find out more about fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies here.

Assured shorthold – starter tenancy with support (extra care)

For customers living in our extra care schemes. It is an Assured shorthold (starter) tenancy that becomes non-shorthold after a successful probation period of six months.

Assured Shorthold – starter tenancy with support learning disability accommodation (LDA)

For customers who live in homes for people with learning disabilities. Also starts as an Assured shorthold (starter) tenancy that becomes Assured non-shorthold after a six-month probation period. 

Need a copy of your tenancy agreement? 

You can:

Other useful information