The main difference between an AST and an assured tenancy agreement is that an AST has a fixed term, whereas an older assured tenancy agreement does not.
Having an AST means that the tenant can stay in the property for the agreed length of time, but cannot stay beyond that point unless they renew the AST or reach another agreement with the landlord.
An assured tenancy, often used before 1989, had no time period associated with the rental contract and essentially the tenant had an open-ended permanent tenancy of the property.
Our assured shorthold tenancy agreement template is perfect for landlords looking for a document that is straightforward and easy to use. It has been designed to protect both the landlord and the tenant, and includes all the necessary information you need to get started.
We know how important it is for landlords to find the right tenants, and our AST tenancy agreement template will help you do just that. With this document in place, you can feel confident that both you and your tenant are protected by law.
Download your AST tenancy agreement today!
For England & Wales
For Renting Properties: Tenancy Agreement Form
For Individual Lodgers: Room Rental Agreement
An assured shorthold tenancy agreement, or AST, is a written rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant that gives the tenant exclusive possession of a rental property for a fixed period of time, usually six or twelve months.
An assured shorthold tenancy agreement in England and Wales is usually for six or twelve months. Almost all new tenancy agreements in England and Wales are AST’s.
You can download an AST template in Word Doc or PDF format by visiting our website and purchasing our comprehensive landlord pack for England and Wales. The AST PDF allows you to print and sign while the AST Word Doc allows you to make changes to the document.
AST agreements also have other protections for tenants that older tenancy agreements do not have. For example, an assured shorthold tenancy cannot be ended simply by the landlord giving notice to the tenant.
The landlord can only end an AST if they have grounds to do so, such as the tenant not paying rent or causing damage to the property.
In other words, the landlord must wait until the end of the tenancy agreement, hence the word “assured”. The term “short-hold” is used because most assured shorthold tenancy agreements run for six months and then need to be renewed.
Certain details should be included in an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. These are:
Additional resources:
There may also be additional causes included in an assured short-hold tenancy agreement, such as when and how the tenancy agreement can be terminated early, details about property access and subletting, and who is liable for minor repairs outside the responsibilities of the landlord.
As a landlord there are two situation types for ending an AST with a tenant. These are with no reason or with a good reason.
An assured shorthold tenancy can be ended for no reason if the period of the tenancy agreement has ended and:
As a landlord you can only end a tenancy early which is covered by an assured shorthold tenancy agreement if:
As a landlord in England, you must give at least two months’ notice to the tenant in accordance with the Housing Act of 1988. In general, you cannot end an AST early within the first six months of the tenancy.
Even if there is a break clause, as a landlord you must wait until the clause comes into effect before giving the required notice to the tenant. You do not have the automatic right to take possession of the property within the first six months of an AST.
We highly recommend you take legal advice before attempting to terminate any assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
It is critical that, as a landlord, you stay within the bounds of the law. In addition, you are bound by the law, as are the tenants rights, regardless of what is in any tenancy agreement.
Printable tenancy agreement for England and Wales written by our UK company solicitor in full compliance with the housing act 1988. Use, edit and adapt the residential rental agreement in accordance with our terms of use.
We want our customers to be completely satisfied with our tenancy agreement for England and Wales. For pre-sales questions or after-sales support, please contact us with your questions.
Our main products for renting out properties are a UK tenancy agreement, a room rental agreement and a lodger agreement template.
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