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Revised TSA standard enables tenancy reforms

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) has published its revised tenancy standard which enables housing associations to introduce fixed-term tenancies and charge higher rents. Decision Instrument 5 has been introduced following the conclusion of statutory consultation to issue the revised tenancy standard which will enable private registered providers of social housing to participate in the 2011/15 Affordable Homes Programme to deliver homes on affordable rent terms.

This will give landlords the power to scrap lifetime tenancies and start raising money for new development under the affordable rent regime. The new standard states that social landlords must offer "the most secure form of tenure compatible with the purpose of the housing and the sustainability of the community". It says landlords must make it clear to tenants how they are meeting their statutory obligations in an annual report published each year.

Landlords wishing to let properties under the affordable rent regime, where housing associations can charge tenants up to 80% of market rent to raise money for new homes, must first agree the terms with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The tenancy reforms are included in the Localism Bill, which is currently moving through parliament.

Download Decision Instrument 5 Revision to the Tenancy Standard: Affordable Rent.

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