United Kingdom Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
Also known as: Residential Lease Agreement · AST · Tenancy Agreement · Residential Tenancy Agreement
Generate a assured shorthold tenancy agreement tailored to United Kingdom law. Our AI incorporates United Kingdom-specific statutory requirements, disclosure obligations, and legal standards into every clause.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
Also called: Residential Lease Agreement, AST
Legal Requirements
United Kingdom Legal Requirements
Key United Kingdom statutes and obligations that apply to your assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the default form under the Housing Act 1988
Deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days (TDP regulations)
Prescribed information about deposit protection must be given to tenant within 30 days
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E required before letting
Gas Safety Certificate required annually and copy provided to tenant before move-in
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) required every 5 years
How to Rent guide must be provided to tenant at start of tenancy
Restrictions & Key Considerations
Tenant Fees Act 2019: landlords may only charge rent, deposit (max 5 weeks), holding deposit (max 1 week), and specified default fees
No fees for referencing, administration, inventory, or professional cleaning permitted
Section 21 'no-fault' eviction notices are being phased out under the Renters (Reform) Bill
Rent increases for periodic tenancies require a Section 13 notice (minimum 1 month notice)
Notice Requirements
Section 21: 2 months' written notice (where still available). Section 8 (fault-based): 2 weeks to 2 months depending on grounds.
FAQ
United Kingdom Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement FAQ
Common questions about the assured shorthold tenancy agreement under United Kingdom law.
Does a UK tenancy agreement need to be in writing?
Legally no, but all ASTs should be in writing. The Deregulation Act 2015 requires landlords to provide prescribed information in writing. A written agreement protects both parties and is standard practice.
How much deposit can a landlord charge in the UK?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the security deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000). The holding deposit is capped at 1 week's rent.
What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy?
An AST is the most common form of residential tenancy in England and Wales. It gives tenants the right to live in the property for the agreed term and protects them from eviction without proper notice and court proceedings.
Are landlords required to perform safety checks in the UK?
Yes. Landlords must provide an annual Gas Safety Certificate, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years, and an EPC (valid for 10 years) with a minimum E rating. Smoke and CO alarms are also required.
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