Assured shorthold tenancies (AST)

Most private tenants have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).

You're likely to have an AST if:

• you do not live with your landlord

• your tenancy started on or after 28 February 1997

Many ASTs start with a fixed term agreement. For example, 12 months.

At the end of the fixed term your tenancy becomes a periodic rolling tenancy or you can agree a new fixed term.

Renters' Rights Act changes

The law is expected to change later this year.

Most ASTs will become assured tenancies. This means you will have stronger tenancy rights.

The government has not yet set a date for these changes.

Eviction notices before the law changes

At the moment, your landlord can evict you without a reason.

They could give you a section 21 notice if they want you to leave.

This is sometimes called a 'no fault' eviction.

If you have a fixed term tenancy, your landlord can only give you a section 21 if your tenancy has a break clause.

Your landlord could give you another type of notice called a section 8 notice. They need a legal reason to do this. For example, rent arrears.

More about section 8 eviction.

Landlord pressure to move out before your tenancy ends legally could be harassment.

What happens when your fixed term tenancy ends?

You have options when your fixed term tenancy ends.

If you want to stay, you can either:

• agree a new fixed term – your rent may increase 

• stay in your home without signing a new agreement

If you stay without signing a new agreement, your tenancy becomes periodic. This means it rolls on monthly at the same rent.

If you're a joint tenant you need to discuss what you want to do with the other tenants.

If you want to end your tenancy

You should end your tenancy legally or your landlord can say you still have to pay rent after moving out.

Find out how to:

• end a fixed term tenancy early

• end a rolling or periodic tenancy

You can often end a fixed term tenancy by moving out by the end of the fixed term and returning the keys. But check your agreement to see if it says you have to give notice that you're leaving. 

Rent increases

If your fixed term has ended, your landlord can give you 1 month's notice of a rent increase.

Your landlord can only put your rent up during a fixed term if either:

• you agree to pay it

• your tenancy agreement has a rent review clause 

A rent review clause is a term in your agreement. It should say:

• when an increase can happen

• how much notice you'll get

It might say how the new rent is worked out. For example: your rent will increase every April in line with inflation.

More about rent increases for private tenants.

Repairs and safety checks

Before you move in your landlord must give you the latest copy of the:

• gas safety record

• electrical safety check

• energy performance certificate (EPC)

Your landlord must arrange for:

• repairs the landlord is responsible for

• gas safety checks by a Gas Safe engineer each year

• electrical safety checks by a qualified electrician every 5 years

Tenancy deposits and deposit protection

Your landlord or agent have 30 days from when they get your deposit to:

• protect it in a tenancy deposit scheme

• give you information about the scheme

You should usually get your deposit back when the tenancy ends.

Find out more about:

• how a landlord must protect your deposit

• when your landlord could keep your deposit

Your tenancy agreement

Most tenancies start with a written agreement.

A written tenancy agreement can give you extra rights or responsibilities.

Find out what to look for in your tenancy agreement.

If you do not have a written agreement

You can still have an AST.

You can ask for a written statement of terms. This means:

• the start date of tenancy

• the rent amount and date it should be paid

• any rent review clause

• the length of any fixed term

Your landlord must give you a written statement of terms if you ask for it.

You also have the right to the name and address of your landlord.