Short Term Tenancy Agreement

For an explanation of the Short Term Tenancy Agreement, please read the information below.

Are you entering into a tenancy that is between 6 months and 12 months? If you are a landlord allowing a tenant into your property for this length of time you need a short term tenancy agreement. This is also known as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST). The short term tenancy agreement is based on the Housing Act of 1988. This act was implemented to deal with the problem of landlords overcharging for rent and breaching tenant's rights without any recourse. The changes made to the Housing Act in 1988 made it more difficult for a landlord to raise the rent during the period stated in the tenancy agreement. This tenancy agreement states that the tenant may occupy the stated property as their main residence for the agreed period. Furthermore, the property must be a separate entity from the landlord’s home and the tenant must be an individual.

The agreement also details the rights and obligations of both the tenant and landlord. For example, the landlord must keep the exterior and structure of the property in a sound condition for living in. The tenant must pay the appropriate amount of rent. Furthermore, the tenant is usually responsible for the payment of the utility bills such as gas, electricity, and water, in a short term tenancy agreement. The Tenancy Agreement will detail the starting date of the tenancy, the parties involved, the property being let, the rent, term, and the  amount of the deposit. The agreement also contains clauses dealing with the ending of the tenancy. If a landlord wants to end a tenancy there are protocols to follow. In a short term tenancy agreement the landlord can end a tenancy without any reason provided the tenancy term has ended. The landlord is required to give the tenant 2 months' notice that the landlord will reclaim possession at the end of the fixed term of the tenancy. If there are rent arrears, the landlord will have to follow a different protocol for ending the tenancy, involving sending out non payment of rent notices.

Once the template has been downloaded and signed by both parties, it is legally binding and both parties must adhere to its terms.

Our guides and articles in our Law Library provide further information on tenancy agreements and rental matters.