Assured Shorthold Tenancy

Download an assured shorthold tenancy via our exclusive Tenancy Builder.

An assured shorthold tenancy agreement is a legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of a private residential tenancy agreement between a landlord and a tenant. It is the most common type of tenancy agreement in England and provides the landlord with greater security and peace of mind.

This type of agreement allows the landlord to take back possession of the property after a fixed period, typically six months, or when either party terminates the agreement. The contract can be for any length of time, but most are for at least six months. It is essential that landlords use an assured shorthold tenancy agreement to ensure they are protected and able to enforce their rights as a landlord.

The downloadable document is a PDF and is suitable where the deposit is protected with DPS, Mydeposits or Deposit Protection Scheme (Dispute Service). It is also suitable if no deposit is taken, and a guarantor can be added (single or multiple).

You must not use this agreement for the following purposes:

• If the rent is to be greater than £100,000 per annum
• If the tenant is not to be an individual (e.g. company)
• If it is not intended to be used by the tenant as their only or principal home
• If the tenancy is under an earlier contract to the same tenants and the earlier agreement was made before 15 January 1989.
• If the dwelling-house is in Greater London AND the rent payable is £1,000 or less a year or, If the dwelling-house is not in Greater London AND the rent payable is £250 or less a year.
• If the tenancy is for a business.
• If the dwelling-house consists of or comprises premises licensed for selling intoxicating liquors for consumption on the premises.
• If it is a tenancy under which agricultural land exceeding two acres is let together with the dwelling-house.
• If the tenancy is an agricultural holding.
• If the purpose of the tenancy is the right to occupy for a holiday.
• If the landlord is a Resident Landlord as defined in Schedule 1 Housing Act 1988.
• If the tenant is to be a lodger, living with the landlord.
• If the tenancy is to be granted by a private landlord under arrangements for the provision of support for asylum-seekers or dependants of asylum-seekers made under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999