Private renting for tenants: tenancy agreements
Tenancy types
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
The most common form of tenancy is an AST. Most new tenancies are automatically this type.
A tenancy can be an AST if all of the following apply:
- the property you rent is private
- your tenancy started on or after 15 January 1989
- the property is your main accommodation
- your landlord does not live in the property
A tenancy cannot be an AST if:
- it began or was agreed before 15 January 1989
- the rent is more than £100,000 a year
- the rent is less than £250 a year (less than £1,000 in London)
- it’s a business tenancy or tenancy of licensed premises
- the property is a holiday let
- your landlord is a local council
Other tenancies
There are other tenancies that are not as common as ASTs, including:
Excluded tenancies or licences
You may have an excluded tenancy or licence if you lodge with your landlord and share rooms with them, like a kitchen or bathroom. You’ll usually have less protection from eviction with this type of agreement.
Assured tenancies
Tenancies starting between 15 January 1989 and 27 February 1997 may be assured. You’ll have increased protection from eviction with this type of agreement.
Regulated tenancies
Tenancies starting before 15 January 1989 may be regulated. You’ll have increased protection from eviction and can apply for a ‘fair rent’.
Shelter has information on the different types of private tenancies and a tenancy checker so you can check which tenancy you have.