Tenancy Agreement Service | Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements

The site focuses primarily on the obligations and rights of landlords and tenants in Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements such as complying with relevant Gas, Fire and Electrical Safety Legislation, the correct steps to be followed when applying Rent Increases, Landlords' and Tenants' Repairing Obligations as well as more general information such as what to look for when taking out Landlords Insurance or Tenants Insurance.

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy, also referred to as an ‘AST’ or a ‘Shorthold Tenancy’, is the most frequently used tenancy agreement in the letting of residential properties.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements are normally agreed for six months, but longer periods can be arranged and agreements are often set for up to twelve months.

All tenancies that started on or after 28^th February 1997 are now automatically Assured Shorthold Tenancies, unless the required steps were followed to set up an Assured Tenancy or the circumstances are such that an Assured Shorthold Tenancy cannot be used. These circumstances include:

the property is to be let to a company,
the property is to be let as a holiday home,
the rent exceeds £25,000 per annum.

For further information read our introductory page to Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements.

The site also provides information on the steps that should be taken to legally End a Tenancy Agreement, such as correctly issuing a Section 21 Notice to Quit.

Tenants' rights include a certain degree of Protection from Eviction; however, a tenant who has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement can be evicted after being served a Section 8 Notice to Quit.

We have also compiled a Property Glossary to explain legal/property terms from Deed Poll to Periodic Tenancy in plain English.

If you have a question that isn't answered here, you can Ask a Property Lawyer for a quick and affordable expert opinion.

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