A social landlord has moved to assured tenancies for all new and existing tenants in a bid to improve protections for its residents.

As of 1 April, Stonewater has updated all new and existing tenancies to fully assured tenancies, ending the traditional practice of issuing ‘starter tenancies’.

The 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 says it welcome 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 says its customers will benefit from fully assured tenancies immediately, allowing them to truly lay down roots in their homes and communities.

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.

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.”