Tenancy agreements and their types

Tenancy agreements are legally binding contracts between a landlord and a tenant that outline the terms and conditions of the tenancy. In the UK, there are several different types of tenancy agreements, each with their own unique features, rights and responsibilities. In this article, we will explore the different types of tenancy agreements and what they mean for both landlords and tenants.

1. Assured Short hold Tenancy (AST)

The most common type of tenancy agreement in the UK is the Assured Short hold Tenancy (AST). This is a type of tenancy agreement that gives tenants a minimum term of six months, after which the tenancy can be renewed or terminated by either party. ASTs provide tenants with certain rights, such as the right to live in the property undisturbed, the right to know who their landlord is, and the right to a rent book or other evidence of rent payments.

ASTs can be either fixed-term or periodic. Fixed-term ASTs have a specific end date, while periodic ASTs continue on a rolling basis until either the landlord or tenant terminates the tenancy. ASTs typically include provisions for rent, deposits, repairs, and maintenance, as well as rules on subletting and other tenancy-related issues.

2. Rent Act Tenancy

Rent Act tenancies were common in the UK prior to 1989, and they are now a rare type of tenancy agreement. They were created under the Rent Act 1977 and gave tenants the right to a fair rent, which was determined by a rent officer appointed by the government. Rent Act tenancies were long-term tenancies that lasted until the tenant died or moved out.

Rent Act tenancies are now regulated under the Housing Act 1988, and landlords have the right to convert these tenancies into Assured Short hold Tenancies. However, they can only do so if they give the tenant at least two months' notice and the tenant agrees to the change.

3. Regulated Tenancy

Regulated tenancies are similar to Rent Act tenancies, but they are even rarer. They were created under the Rent Act 1977 and give tenants the right to a fair rent. Regulated tenancies are long-term tenancies that last until the tenant dies or moves out, and they offer tenants a high degree of protection against eviction and rent increases.

Regulated tenancies are now regulated under the Housing Act 1988, and landlords have the right to convert these tenancies into Assured Short hold Tenancies. However, they can only do so if they give the tenant at least two months' notice and the tenant agrees to the change.

4. Non-Assured Short hold Tenancy (Non-AST)

Non-Assured Short hold Tenancies (Non-ASTs) are tenancy agreements that do not meet the requirements of an AST. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holiday lets, company lets, or lodgers. Non-ASTs can be either fixed-term or periodic, and they offer tenants limited rights and protections.

Non-ASTs do not require landlords to protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme, and they do not require landlords to give tenants a minimum notice period before eviction. As a result, they are generally considered to be less secure for tenants than ASTs

5. Excluded Tenancy

Excluded tenancies are similar to Non-ASTs, but they offer tenants even fewer rights and protections. They are used for lodgers who live in the landlord's home, and they do not have to meet any of the requirements of an AST.