Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template for UK

ASSURED SHASTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT (ENGLAND)

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Effective Date]
• Version: 4.2 (UK Housing Act 1988 / Tenant Fees Act 2019 / Renters' Rights Bill Compliant)
• Jurisdiction: England and Wales

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1. LEGAL NOTICE & DISCLAIMER

This Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement is a standardized legal instrument designed for residential properties in England. The parties acknowledge that legal counsel has been made available or waived knowingly. Modifying core liability, deposit protection, or statutory notice clauses may void legal protections under the Housing Act 1988 (as amended). Both Landlord and Tenant are advised to seek independent legal and financial counsel prior to execution.

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2. PARTIES & PREMISES

This Agreement is made on [Date] between the following parties:

1. The Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord] of [Landlord Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Landlord", which expression shall include their successors in title and permitted assigns).
2. The Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1] and [Full Legal Name of Tenant 2] of [Forwarding/Current Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Tenant").
3. The Guarantor (if applicable): [Full Legal Name of Guarantor] of [Guarantor Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Guarantor").
4. The Property: [Full Postal Address of Property, including Unit/Flat Number] (hereinafter referred to as the "Property"), including fixtures, fittings, and furniture as detailed in the Inventory.

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3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

1. Term & Commencement

1.1 The Landlord lets and the Tenant takes the Property for a fixed term of [Number] months/years, commencing on [Start Date] and expiring on [End Date] at 23:59 (the "Term"). 1.2 This agreement creates an Assured Shorthold Tenancy pursuant to Section 19A of the Housing Act 1988.

2. Rent & Payment Terms

2.1 The Rent is £[Amount] per calendar month, payable in advance by the Tenant on or before the [Day] day of each calendar month. 2.2 The first payment, representing a pro-rata or full monthly sum of £[Amount], is due upon execution of this Agreement for the period spanning [Start Date] to [Date]. 2.3 Payment shall be made via electronic bank transfer to the Landlord’s nominated bank account:

• Bank Name: [Bank Name]
• Sort Code: [Sort Code]
• Account Number: [Account Number]
• Account Name: [Account Name] 2.4 Interest shall accrue on any rent overdue by more than fourteen (14) days at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate per annum, calculated daily from the date the rent was due until paid in full.

3. Deposit & Client Money Protection

3.1 A Tenancy Deposit of £[Amount] (not exceeding 5 weeks' rent where annual rent is under £50,000) shall be paid by the Tenant upon signing this Agreement. 3.2 The Deposit shall be held by [Name of Deposit Scheme, e.g., Deposit Protection Service (DPS)] as the Stakeholder in accordance with the rules of the chosen government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. 3.3 Within 30 days of receiving the Deposit, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with the prescribed information relating to the deposit protection scheme.

4. Permitted Payments (Tenant Fees Act 2019)

4.1 The Tenant shall not be charged any fees other than permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Permitted payments include:

• Rent
• A tenancy deposit (capped at 5 or 6 weeks' rent)
• Council Tax
• Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
• Communication services (broadband, telephone, television licence)
• Default fees for late rent (as outlined in clause 2.4) or replacement of lost keys/security devices (capped at reasonable costs evidenced in writing).

5. Tenant Obligations & Covenants

The Tenant agrees to: 5.1 Rent Payment: Pay the Rent on time regardless of any dispute with the Landlord. 5.2 Property Maintenance: Keep the interior of the Property in good, clean tenantable condition (fair wear and tear excepted) and immediately report any structural or service defects to the Landlord or managing agent. 5.3 Utilities & Council Tax: Be solely liable for all charges relating to gas, electricity, water, sewerage, television licence, and Council Tax throughout the Term. 5.4 Alterations: Not make any alterations, additions, or redecorate the Property without the prior written consent of the Landlord. 5.5 Subletting: Not assign, sublet, or part with possession of the whole or any part of the Property, nor take in lodgers or paying guests. 5.6 Nuisance: Not cause, nor allow members of their household or invitees to cause, any nuisance, annoyance, or disturbance to neighbors or the Landlord. 5.7 Absence: Notify the Landlord in writing if the Property is to be left vacant for any continuous period exceeding fourteen (14) days.

6. Landlord Obligations & Covenants

The Landlord agrees to: 6.1 Quiet Enjoyment: Permit the Tenant peaceably to hold and enjoy the Property during the Term without interruption by the Landlord or persons lawfully claiming under them. 6.2 Statutory Repairs: Comply with obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the Property, and installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and space/water heating. 6.3 Safety Compliance: Provide valid Gas Safety Records (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operational at the start of the Term.

7. Termination & Break Clauses

7.1 Landlord Break Clause: The Landlord may terminate this tenancy after the expiry of the first [Number, e.g., 6] months of the Term by giving the Tenant not less than two (2) months' written notice pursuant to Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. 7.2 Tenant Break Clause: The Tenant may terminate this tenancy after the expiry of the first [Number, e.g., 6] months of the Term by giving the Landlord not less than two (2) months' written notice. Rent remains payable up to the final day of the notice period.

8. Right to Rent & Immigration Act 2014

8.1 The Tenant warrants that they possess the legal "Right to Rent" within the United Kingdom pursuant to the Immigration Act 2014. Failure to maintain legal residency status constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.

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4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT BLOCK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first written above.

Landlord Execution

• Signature: __________________________________
• Print Name: [Full Legal Name of Landlord]
• Title/Capacity: [e.g., Landlord / Authorized Agent]
• Date: [Date]

In the presence of (Witness):

• Witness Signature: ____________________________
• Witness Name: [Witness Full Name]
• Witness Address: [Witness Address]

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Tenant Execution

• Signature: __________________________________
• Print Name: [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1]
• Date: [Date]

In the presence of (Witness):

• Witness Signature: ____________________________
• Witness Name: [Witness Full Name]
• Witness Address: [Witness Address]

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5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Verify Information: Ensure all bracketed fields ([...]) are accurately populated, including deposit amounts, dates, and full legal names.
2. Statutory Disclosures: Prior to or at signing, provide the Tenant with the current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, and the UK Government’s How to Rent checklist.
3. Execution & Witnessing: Both parties and independent witnesses must physically or via compliant e-signature platform sign the document simultaneously to create a binding deed/agreement.
4. Deposit Protection: Register the Deposit with an approved scheme within 30 calendar days of receipt and issue the prescribed information/schutz terms to the Tenant to avoid statutory penalties.