There are a variety of different tenancy agreements you can choose from for rent, but it is important to determine which one is suitable for you. The most popular tenancy agreement and the one that is ranked above other agreements is an assurance shorthold Tenancy contract (AST). For you to put the mind at rest, we’ve got everything you should be aware of before you sign that contract.
What exactly is it?
It’s the most commonly used kind of tenancy agreement, and most all new leases are assigned automatically to this type of agreement. Prior to moving into the property, you will receive a tenancy contract to sign. In an AST tenancy agreement, your tenancy typically lasts for a minimum of 12 months.
This contract will define the amount of rent you will be paying as well as who is responsible for any damages or repairs and how long your lease will last. At the beginning of the contract, you will be obliged to pay the installments agreed upon at the agreed the agreed date.
Who can it be used by?
A tenancy agreement is an AST only when all of the following are true:
The property that is to be rented out is private
The tenancy was signed on or after 15th January 1989.
The property is the tenant’s primary residence.
The landlord doesn’t live in the house.
A tenancy agreement is not an AST when:
The tenancy was negotiated or started before the 15th of January 1989.
The rental is less than PS250 an each year (less than the PS1,000 mark in London)
The rent is higher than PS100,000 per year.
It is an apartment for a weekend lets
This landlord belongs to a council in the local area.
It’s a tenancy for business or the tenancy of a licensed property
These guidelines were adapted from www.gov.uk.
What are the advantages?
In the case of an AST, you have the right to remain in your rental property until the term of your lease expires. The only way that your lease can come to an early conclusion is if the landlord is able to convince the judge that there are legitimate grounds for your eviction e.g. massive damages to the property or rent arrears.
Being a tenant possessing an AST grants an individual the rights to…
Repairs must be enforced until they are completed
Are your deposit for tenancy protected through a deposit protection scheme
Respect and be treated with respect regardless of race, gender or sexuality
At minimum 24 hours’ written notification from either the tenant or the letting agent, if they want to visit your property (except in emergency situations like water leak)
What are the benefits of choosing an AST?
Tenancy agreements, besides ASTs they include:
Tenancies that are not guaranteed (landlords are not required to notify tenants of the end of the tenancy)
Leases that do not qualify as excluded (for landlords who reside with tenants e.g. lodgers)
Tenancies that are guaranteed (mainly employed in the past, and also for housing associations)
Tenancies that are regulated (used prior to 1989)
Lets to companies (when the property is rented out to the company, and not to the individual tenants)
Having an assured shorthold tenancy agreement is the best way to take. In addition to having all the rights to tenancy that were mentioned earlier, but you also have security of knowing that the rent will not increase without your permission during the duration of your contract.
