Tenancies starting now, where the rent is less than £25,000 per year and the landlord does not live in the same house as the tenant will automatically be assured shorthold tenancies unless it is agreed otherwise in writing.
The landlord and tenant must agree the length of the tenancy. This can be for a set period known as a “fixed term” or be left open-ended.
An assured shorthold tenancy gives the tenant a legal right to live in their accommodation for a period of time and gives legal rights to the tenant. These cover: information about the tenancy, control over their home; getting certain types of repairs done and not be evicted without a court order.
Assured shorthold tenancies also enable landlords to charge market rents and regain possession of the property.
Most tenancies which began before February 1997 will be either assured shorthold tenancies, or assured tenancies. A tenancy would automatically have been an assured tenancy, unless the landlord served a special notice on you saying that it was to be assured shorthold. If the original tenancy has come to an end and the landlord has renewed it, the replacement tenancy will automatically be the same type as the original one.
Tenancies which started before 15 January 1989 are subject to different legislation.
These are general notes and many aspects of managing tenancies are covered on other pages in this website. Refer to the leaflets below for more detailed descriptions of the different tenancy types.
Assured and assured shorthold tenancies : a guide for tenants
Assured and assured shorthold tenancies : a guide for landlords
Information on this page was correct when it was written. Please contact the Policy and Performance Team on 01748 827028 or email landlords@richmondshire.gov.uk with any amendments or additions.
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Last updated:
25 June 2008
