What Rights Do Tenants Have in Supported Living?

Introduction 
In supported living, the person is not a “resident” but a tenant (or leaseholder/licensee) with the same rights and protections as anyone renting their own home. CQC, SCIE and the NDTi all emphasise that separating housing from care is vital to safeguard independence and uphold human rights. 

Key tenancy rights 

• Legal tenancy or licence agreement. People should sign (or co-sign with support) a tenancy agreement giving them rights over their home. 

• Security of tenure. Tenants cannot be evicted simply because their support package changes, housing and care contracts are separate. 

• Privacy and control. Tenants decide who enters their home. Staff must knock and seek permission. 

• Choice of living arrangements. Where possible, people should choose who they live with and whether they share or live alone. 

• Rights and responsibilities. As with any tenancy, individuals are responsible for paying rent/bills and looking after their home, with support as needed. 

• Complaints and advocacy. Tenants can use housing law processes, advocates or ombudsman services if their rights are not respected. 

What inspectors look for 
CQC’s “Right support, right care, right culture” guidance stresses that providers must not blur housing and care arrangements. Evidence inspectors expect includes: 

• Tenancy agreements separate from care contracts 

• Clear policies on respecting privacy and decision-making 

• Records showing people are supported to exercise tenancy rights (e.g. choosing décor, managing bills, meeting visitors) 

Why rights matter 

• Protects people from dependency on providers for housing security 

• Promotes dignity and independence 

• Aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and UK human rights law 

Practical advice for staff 

• Always treat the person as a tenant first, not a “service user”. 

• Support people to understand their tenancy and exercise rights in practice. 
• Involve families/advocates when needed, but keep the person’s wishes central.
   

References 

• SCIE – Supported Living overview 

• NDTi – The Real Tenancy Test 

• CQC – Right support, right care, right culture guidance 

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