FAQs

A Tenancy Strategy sets out the Council’s approach to how social housing tenancies should be used across the city, including the types of tenancy that may be offered and the length of time they may be granted for.

It provides a framework for social housing landlords, including the Council and housing associations, setting out what the local authority expects them to consider when developing their own tenancy policies.

The Strategy helps make sure social housing is used effectively, supports sustainable communities, and promotes a fair approach to access across the city.

The Strategy applies to the Council and other social housing providers in Sheffield.

Sheffield’s current Tenancy Strategy was published in 2013 and now needs to be updated.

The Localism Act 2011 requires councils in England to publish a Tenancy Strategy, which social housing providers must have regard to when developing their own tenancy policies.

A policy is a document that sets out the rules or approach an organisation will follow on a particular issue. A Tenancy Policy explains how a social housing landlord will use and manage tenancies, including the types of tenancies it offers, how long they last, and how decisions are made when a fixed term comes to an end. The Regulator of Social Housing requires all Registered Providers to publish a tenancy policy that covers these areas.

• The types of tenancies they grant.
• The circumstances in which they will grant a particular type of tenancy.
• Where they grant a tenancy for certain terms, the lengths of the terms.
• The circumstances in which they will grant a further tenancy when an existing tenancy comes to an end.

We are required by law to consult Registered Providers (housing associations) when preparing the Tenancy Strategy. We also want to hear from tenants, residents, people applying for social housing, and partners who support people with their housing in Sheffield, because the Strategy and Policy will affect them too.

The 2026 Tenancy Strategy is a much broader document than the 2013 Strategy. The points below show the main changes in the new Strategy. The Strategy:

• Updates an outdated 2013 Strategy to reflect over a decade of legislative, regulatory and housing system change. 
• Introduces the Council's first comprehensive Tenancy Policy, creating a clear operational framework. 
• Reflects current Council practice, including the introduction of Introductory Tenancies and the limited use of Flexible Tenancies. 
• Responds to Sheffield's current housing pressures, including homelessness, Temporary Accommodation, housing demand and making best use of social housing. 
• Aligns with the strengthened consumer regulation regime, including the Regulator of Social Housing's Tenancy Standard and forthcoming Renters' Rights Act changes. 
• Strengthens partnership working by providing clearer expectations of Registered Providers and recognising their role within Sheffield's wider housing system.

Tenancy Strategy - This sets out the Council’s expectations for how social housing providers in the area should use tenancies. This includes the tenancy types they may use, when they may use them, the length of any fixed-term tenancies, and when a further tenancy may be granted.

Tenancy Policy - This is the landlord’s own policy for how it will apply these expectations in practice. Social housing providers must have regard to the Council’s Tenancy Strategy when preparing their tenancy policies.

Tenancy agreement – This is the legal contract between a tenant and their landlord. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Introductory Tenancy – A tenancy granted by the Council to most new tenants at the start of their tenancy. It is a trial period that usually lasts for 12 months, during which the tenant must follow the conditions of their tenancy agreement. The Council may extend the introductory period by up to 6 months where there are concerns about tenancy conduct. At the end of the introductory period, the tenancy will normally become a secure tenancy unless the Council has lawfully extended the introductory tenancy or started possession proceedings.

Secure Tenancy – A long-term tenancy granted by a local authority that provides tenants with strong legal rights and security of tenure, provided the terms of the Tenancy Agreement are followed.

Flexible Tenancy – A fixed-term secure tenancy, usually granted for a minimum period of five years. In exceptional circumstances, a shorter fixed term (of no less than two years) may be granted, and the nature of the accommodation and the household’s circumstances will be considered. During the fixed term tenants will have almost all of the same rights and responsibilities as secure tenants.

Licence – A form of occupation that allows a person to live in a property but does not provide the same legal rights or security of tenure as a tenancy. Licences are typically used for short-term or temporary accommodation arrangements.

Existing tenants with secure lifetime tenancies will not be affected unless they breach the terms and conditions of their tenancy. The Strategy and Policy mainly apply to new tenancies granted after their adoption.

A Tenancy Strategy and an Allocation Policy work together to shape how social housing is provided. The Tenancy Strategy sets the overall approach, such as the types of tenancies offered and the outcomes the council wants to achieve, while the Allocation Policy explains how homes are allocated, including who gets priority and how decisions are made.

You can get involved by completing the online survey here x or by picking up a paper copy and self-addressed envelope at Howden House. Paper copies can also be requested from the team.

We will carefully consider all comments and feedback received during the consultation.

We will prepare a consultation report summarising the feedback and explaining how it has influenced the final Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

Where appropriate, changes will be made to the draft documents to reflect the views and evidence gathered through the consultation process.

The final Strategy, Policy and consultation findings will then be presented to the Council's Housing Policy Committee for consideration and approval in December 2026.

If approved, the new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy will be adopted and published on the Council's website.

Please contact the Strategic Housing Team at housing.strategy@sheffield.gov.uk for more information.