My rights and agreement with Stonewater

It's really important that our customers understand the rights they have under their agreement with us and also the law.

We've put together a quick reference document for each type of agreement, so you know which rights you have. 

How do I know which one applies to me?

You can find your agreement type on your tenancy or lease agreement. 

These documents are for information only and do not change the terms of your agreement with us. If you find a discrepancy between this document and your agreement with us, please let us know. 

Jump to:

• I rent my home
• I own all or part of my home
  
  

I rent my home

If you’re renting your home, it’s important that you understand your tenancy agreement. This is a legal document that sets out your responsibilities and ours.

This guide to your tenancy agreement explains your obligations as a Stonewater customer, as well as our obligations to you as your landlord.

It also outlines obligations around repairs, paying rent, pets, anti-social behaviour and more.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will introduce new rights for tenants and new rules for private landlords from 1 May 2026. You can find the Renters Rights Act Information Sheet on the Government website. This document summarises the changes and explains how they might affect your tenancy.

For more information on renting your home, visit these pages:

• Paying your rent
• Repairs and maintenance
• What do I need to get permission for?
• Health and safety at home
• Moving, swapping or leaving your home
  
  

I own all or part of my home

If you’ve bought a Stonewater home, you’ll either be a Shared Owner, a leaseholder or a freeholder.

You’ll have an individual agreement with us (either a ‘lease document’ or ‘transfer document’) which is unique to your property. It’s important you know the type of agreement you have with us, so you understand the services we’ll provide and your rights and responsibilities.

Shared Owners

A Shared Ownership lease entitles you to live in your homes as a homeowner with all the associated right and responsibilities. However, you do not own all of the shares in the property - you own a percentage of the property.

Leaseholders

If you bought a Stonewater home as part of the government's Right to Buy or Right to Acquire schemes, your lease will cover the building, any communal areas and land in and around your home.

We also have leases for some of our retirement living properties. Your lease may include a restriction preventing your from selling your home to anyone who is not of, or over the age shown in the lease, and special management arrangements, such as a scheme manager.

Freeholders

If you don’t hold a written tenancy / lease agreement with us for a fixed or cyclical period, you’re a freeholder. As a freeholder, you’ll own your home and any land outlined in your deed.