Tenancy agreements: a guide for landlords (England and Wales)
Tenancy types
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
The most common form of tenancy is an AST. Most new tenancies are automatically this type.
A tenancy can be an AST if all of the following apply:
- you鈥檙e a private landlord or housing association
- the tenancy started on or after 15 January 1989
- the property is your tenants鈥� main accommodation
- you do not live in the property
A tenancy cannot be an AST if:
- it began or was agreed before 15 January 1989
- the rent is more than 拢100,000 a year
- the rent is less than 拢250 a year (less than 拢1,000 in London)
- it鈥檚 a business tenancy or tenancy of licensed premises
- it鈥檚 a holiday let
- the landlord is a local council
Other tenancies
There are other tenancies that are not as common as ASTs, including:
- excluded tenancies or licences
- assured tenancies
- regulated tenancies
Excluded tenancies or licences
If you have a lodger living in your home and share rooms with them, like a kitchen or bathroom, you may have one of these. This usually gives your lodger less protection from eviction than other types of agreement.
Assured tenancies
Tenancies starting between 15 January 1989 and 27 February 1997 may be assured. Your tenants have increased protection from eviction with this type of agreement.
Regulated tenancies
Tenancies starting before 15 January 1989 may be regulated. Your tenants have increased protection from eviction and can apply for a 鈥�fair rent鈥�.