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Starter Tenancies




Muir Group introduced the use of starter tenancies for all new tenancies from June 2009. Starter tenancies are not as secure for the first 12 months of the tenancy i.e. they are assured shorthold rather than assured tenancies. If the resident complies with the terms of the tenancy during the probationary period, as most residents do, the starter tenancy will transfer to an assured tenancy giving them the same rights as all existing residents.

If the tenancy agreement is not maintained during the probationary period, particularly in relation to anti-social or unacceptable behaviour, it is easier for us to gain possession of the property and, if warranted, evict that tenant or extend the probationary period, depending on the case.

Many housing associations have adopted starter tenancies for new residents to protect existing residents against unacceptable behaviour. Before we took the decision to introduce Starter tenancies we consulted residents via the Think Tank. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of introducing them.

What are the differences between Starter and secure or assured tenancies?

A Starter tenancy is a tenancy that has:

  • No security of tenure afforded by secure or assured tenancy
  • No right to assign
  • No right to transfer
  • No right to take in lodgers
  • No right to make improvements (a Starter tenant can apply to improve their property but if they move out during their probationary period, they have no right to statutory compensation)
  • No right to buy (although their time as a probationary tenant does count for discount purposes) or right to acquire
  • No right to vote prior to transfer to a new landlord


Why use starter tenancies?

  • To send a message to residents and others that we are tackling nuisance and anti-social behaviour
  • To reduce nuisance and anti-social behaviour among new residents
  • To enable us to deal with new residents who behave anti-socially more swiftly than could be the case for an assured tenancy
  • To encourage residents to be more willing to report anti-social behaviour
  • To encourage community stability and cohesion
  • To reduce turnover of properties/increase the average length of a tenancy


Starter Tenancies Factsheet Starter Tenancies Factsheet

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