A neutral-form residential tenancy agreement for the letting of domestic premises in England. For most private lets this has historically been an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) under the Housing Act 1988.
How to use this template, read this first - Replace every
[SQUARE-BRACKET]field before use. - MAJOR LAW REFORM (check what is in force). The law on private residential tenancies in England is proposed to be fundamentally reformed by legislation (the Renters' Rights Bill and any Act following from it), which proposes to abolish assured shorthold tenancies and "section 21" no-fault evictions, convert tenancies to periodic assured tenancies, and revise how landlords can recover possession. Before using this template, confirm which legislation has been enacted and commenced at the date of letting and take current advice; unless and until any abolition provisions are in force, the Housing Act 1988 assured shorthold tenancy regime remains the relevant starting point, but this AST form may need to be replaced once reform takes effect. - Deposit protection. Any deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days, and the prescribed information given to the tenant, failure carries penalties and can block possession. - Landlords must also meet duties on gas safety, electrical safety, EPC, smoke/CO alarms, the "How to Rent" guide and right-to-rent checks. - Have a solicitor or letting professional review before use.
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THIS TENANCY AGREEMENT is made on [DATE]
BETWEEN (1) [LANDLORD NAME] of [ADDRESS] (the "Landlord"); and (2) [TENANT NAME(S)] (the "Tenant").
Agreed terms
1. The Property. The Landlord lets to the Tenant the dwelling at [ADDRESS] [including/excluding [rooms/contents per inventory]] (the "Property").
2. Type and term. This tenancy is [an assured shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1988 / a periodic assured tenancy, confirm per the law in force]. The term is [a fixed term of [NUMBER] months from [DATE] / periodic, month to month].
3. Rent. The rent is £[AMOUNT] per [month], payable in advance on the [ ] of each month to [payment details].
4. Deposit. The Tenant will pay a deposit of £[AMOUNT] (no more than the legal cap). The Landlord will protect it in [SCHEME NAME] within 30 days and provide the prescribed information.
5. Tenant's obligations. The Tenant will: pay the rent; use the Property as a private residence only; keep it clean and not damage it; not cause nuisance; not sublet or assign without consent; and allow access for inspection/repairs on 24 hours' written notice (except emergencies).
6. Landlord's obligations. The Landlord will: keep the structure and exterior, and the installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating, in repair (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s 11); ensure the Property is fit for human habitation; and comply with gas, electrical and fire-safety duties.
7. Utilities and council tax. The [Tenant] is responsible for [utilities, broadband and council tax] unless stated otherwise.
8. Ending the tenancy. The tenancy may be ended in accordance with the law in force at the time. Historically this has been by the tenant giving notice, or the landlord using the section 21 (no-fault) or section 8 (ground-based) procedures under the Housing Act 1988. Note: service of the relevant notice is only the first step; if the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must normally obtain a possession order from the county court and, if required, enforce it through court bailiffs. Section 21 may be abolished if and when the relevant reform legislation is enacted and commenced; use the procedure in force at the time.
9. Repairs reporting. The Tenant will report disrepair promptly to [CONTACT].
10. Governing law and jurisdiction. This Agreement is governed by the law of England and Wales, whose courts have jurisdiction.
Signatures
Signed by the Landlord: __________________ Date: [DATE] Signed by the Tenant(s): __________________ Date: [DATE]
Attachments: Inventory · Gas Safety Certificate · EPC · EICR · "How to Rent" guide · deposit prescribed information
--- This template is a starting point and not legal advice. Residential tenancy law in England is subject to proposed major reform and is heavily regulated, have a qualified solicitor or letting professional review and adapt it to the law in force before use. Governing law: England & Wales.