What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement?
An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the default form of tenancy for private residential lettings in England and Wales under the Housing Act 1988 (amended by the Housing Act 1996). It is used when a private landlord lets a residential property to one or more tenants at a market rent.
Under an AST, landlords have the right to recover their property at the end of the fixed term (via a Section 21 notice) or during the tenancy for specific breaches (via a Section 8 notice). Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and a safe, well-maintained property.
Important: Landlords must protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days of receipt and provide the prescribed information to the tenant. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 3x the deposit amount and loss of the right to serve a Section 21 notice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?
An Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the most common type of residential tenancy in England and Wales, governed by the Housing Act 1988 (as amended). It gives landlords the right to recover possession at the end of the fixed term via a Section 21 notice, and tenants the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property.
Do I need a solicitor to create an AST?
No. For standard residential lettings, a well-drafted template is sufficient. Our AST template includes all the clauses required by law. For complex commercial or unusual arrangements, you may wish to seek professional legal advice.
Is a verbal tenancy agreement legally binding?
Yes, but a written agreement is strongly recommended. A written AST provides clear evidence of the agreed terms and protects both landlord and tenant in the event of a dispute.
How long does an AST last?
Most ASTs are for an initial fixed term of 6 or 12 months. After the fixed term expires, the tenancy can continue as a statutory periodic tenancy on a rolling month-by-month or week-by-week basis.