What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?

Assured Shorthold Tenancies are the commonest form of arrangement for the letting of houses and flats by private landlords. An Assured Shorthold Tenancy is for a fixed period of time and is agreed on the basis of the duration of the term, and the amount and frequency of rent payments.

In their current form, Assured Shorthold Tenancies were introduced by the Housing Act 1988 but important changes were made by the Housing Act 1996 with effect from 28 February 1997. All new tenancies between private landlord & tenant, which started after that date are automatically Assured Shorthold Tenancies, unless the landlord serves a notice to say it is not an AST, or it is written into the agreement that it is not an AST.

Assured Shorthold Tenancies do not give a tenant security because at the end of the period of the tenancy the landlord can decide not to renew it. However, if the landlord wishes the tenant to vacate the property, then at least two months notice must be given in writing to the tenant.

An AST is not usually subject to rent controls.

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What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?
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