Customers benefit from greater protections

Stonewater customers across the country are set to benefit from improved protections thanks to a move to assured tenancies for all new and existing tenants. 

The leading social housing provider has, as of April 1, updated all new and existing tenancies to fully assured tenancies, ending the traditional practice of issuing ‘starter tenancies’.

This proactive move comes ahead of anticipated changes in housing legislation, including the Renters Reform Bill, which is expected to introduce stronger protections for tenants across both the social and private rental sectors. 

Stonewater welcomes the planned legislation, which will ensure other housing providers and those in the private sector offer more protection to customers, reassuring those in social housing that they have a home for life that they can make their own while building future plans.

By updating its policies and tenancies ahead of potential regulation changes, Stonewater customers will benefit from fully assured tenancies immediately, allowing them to truly lay down roots in their homes and communities.

It will provide residents with greater security of tenure from the moment they move in, removing the uncertainty that can come with short-term agreements.

Customers will have stronger protections, which those on starter tenancies do not, including security from ‘no-fault’ (Section 21) evictions and increased rights around mutual exchange options, making it easier for them to relocate if their circumstances change. 

By providing these rights for all customers from the outset, Stonewater is helping to create a more stable and supportive housing environment for individuals and families alike.

Holly Edwards, Customer Experience Director at Stonewater, said: "We believe that a home is more than just a place to live – it’s the foundation for a stable and secure future.

“By moving away from starter tenancies and offering lifetime assured tenancies to all customers, we are putting tenant protection and long-term stability at the heart of our approach. This decision aligns with the future direction of housing policy and demonstrates our leadership in delivering real, meaningful change for the people and communities who rely on us for a long-term, stable and safe home."

All existing customers previously on starter tenancies were written to by April 1 to confirm the conversion of their tenancy agreements to fully assured status, ensuring that no Stonewater customer is left behind in this shift towards greater housing security.