Tenancy Standard
Landlords must let homes fairly and openly, help tenants keep their tenancies, be clear about tenure, and support mutual exchange.
- 4Areas the regulator looks at
- 1Overall consumer grade it feeds into
- 4Years between routine inspections
For residents, and for your organisation.
What residents can expect
- Homes let in a fair, open and transparent way
- Help and advice to stay in their home when things get difficult
- Clear information about the type of tenancy they have
- Being able to swap homes through mutual exchange
What your organisation must do
- Allocations and lettings that are fair, clear and make good use of homes
- Tenancy sustainment support and eviction as a last resort
- Clear tenure policies and tenancy agreements
- A mutual exchange process that works and is promoted
The areas inspectors look at.
Allocations and lettings
Let homes fairly and transparently, taking account of housing need.
Tenancy sustainment and evictions
Support tenants to keep their tenancy and prevent unnecessary evictions.
Tenure
Offer tenancies that are compatible with tenants’ needs and the purpose of the housing.
Mutual exchange
Support tenants who want to swap homes.
What you’ll need to show.
Typical evidence inspectors ask for. Be Assured maps each one to the expectation it proves.
- Allocations policy and lettings data by need
- Tenancy sustainment referrals and outcomes
- Eviction data and pre-action protocol records
- Mutual exchange volumes and timescales
From problem to proof.
Lettings and arrears data rarely show whether support offered actually kept people in their homes.
Track sustainment referrals, outcomes and evictions against the expectations, so you can see what works.
A landlord sees that tenants referred for money advice in the first 3 months are far less likely to fall into serious arrears, and makes referral standard at sign-up.
Last reviewed 8 October 2026. Based on the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards, in force since 1 April 2024.
Tenancy Standard: common questions
What does the Tenancy Standard require?
Fair, open and transparent allocations and lettings, support to help tenants keep their tenancies, clear tenure policies and a mutual exchange service that works.
Does the Tenancy Standard apply to councils?
Yes. Since April 2024 the consumer standards, including the Tenancy Standard, apply to all registered providers, including local authority landlords.
What evidence do inspectors ask for on tenancy?
Your allocations policy and lettings data, tenancy sustainment referrals and outcomes, eviction data and mutual exchange timescales.
Check your position on this standard.
See every expectation in the Tenancy Standard as plain questions, with evidence linked.