Property & Tenure Types Explained
Property Types
- Social Rent
Social rented homes are provided by councils and registered social landlord. These are let under a Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST)which grants strong rights and long-term security. In some instances a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (SSST)may be offered. A Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (SSST) is a temporary social housing tenancy. This is offered by councils and registered social landlords which comes with fewer rights than a full SST. These are granted under specific circumstances, for example, where a person is subject to an anti-social behaviour order. Rents for social housing are regulated and maintained below private market levels. Allocation is based on housing need, ensuring access to secure and affordable housing.
- Mid-Market Rent (MMR)
Mid-market rent (MMR) is a type of affordable housing, located mainly in larger urban centres, with rents being lower than in the private market, but higher than in the social housing sector. They aim to help households on modest incomes who have difficulty accessing social rented housing, homeownership, or the private rented sector. These homes are typically provided by an RSL or its subsidiaries and use a Private Residential Tenancy. The threshold for MMR is set by Housing Associations and Local Authorities, which determine eligibility based on household income and other criteria.
- Sheltered and Supported Housing
Sheltered, very sheltered, and supported housing cater to older people or those needing additional support. These homes may feature communal facilities, emergency call systems, or on-site staff. Despite varying support levels, they are usually let under a Scottish Secure Tenancy.
- Shared Ownership in Scotland (with an RSL)
Shared ownership is a way to buy part of a home and rent the rest from a housing association (an RSL). It's designed to make owning a home more affordable for people who can't buy on the open market.
- Private Rented Sector (PRS)
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) refers to homes that are rented from a private landlord or letting agent, rather than from a council or housing association. In Scotland, most people renting privately will have a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). This type of tenancy gives tenants more security and rights.
Tenancy Types
- Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST)
AScottish Secure Tenancy is a long‑term tenancy you usually get if you rent your home from a local council or a housing association. It gives you the right to stay in your home as long as you follow the tenancy agreement, and your landlord can only evict you using a legal process and specific grounds.
- Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (SSST)
A Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (SSST) is a temporary social housing tenancy. This is offered by councils and registered social landlords and comes with fewer rights than a full SST. These are granted under specific circumstances such as, to those with anti-social behaviour orders.
- Private Residential Property (within an RSL)
A Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) within an RSL is a tenancy where the housing association rents out a home as a private landlord, not as a social landlord. This means the tenancy follows private renting rules, not social housing rules. This would be used for Mid Market Rentals.
- Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) refers to homes that are rented from a private landlord or letting agent, rather than from a council or housing association. In Scotland, most people renting privately will have a Private Residential
