There are 2 main differences between a Tenancy Agreement and a Lease Agreement.

1. Length/ period of tenancy  

A Lease is a document that creates a fixed term tenancy for more than 3 years. To execute the lease, there must be a deed, meaning that the agreement has to be signed, sealed and the parties should exchange copies of the lease. A lease should be registered in the Lands Registry.

A Tenancy Agreement creates a tenancy for a period not exceeding 3 years. To enforce a tenancy agreement, it can be signed or verbally agreed between the parties. However, to protect their interests, both parties should keep a copy of the Tenancy Agreement as signed.

2. Capacities of the parties

The capacities of the parties entering into the Lease/Tenancy Agreement affects the formalities for the execution of the agreement.

Generally, a party entering a lease must affix a red seal next to the signature of each signing person. A party entering into a tenancy agreement should affix a chop next to every signature.

Key Takeaways

• A tenancy agreement is usually shorter in duration than a lease
• Different parties agreeing to a tenancy or lease agreement will require different formality requirements

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