Caption: Consequently, a professional Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK ensures your property follows the latest Section 21 and Section 8 regulations.
The Definitive 2025 Guide: Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template UK
Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template UK is the legal backbone of the private rental sector in England and Wales. Furthermore, having a written agreement is not just a choice; it is a necessity for protecting your investment. Therefore, we provide this comprehensive 4300-word guide to help landlords and tenants navigate British property law. Additionally, the 2025 legal landscape requires specific clauses regarding energy efficiency and deposit protection. Surprisingly, many landlords still use generic templates that do not comply with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Consequently, they find themselves unable to evict problematic tenants legally. However, G-LegalHub offers a world-class solution to these challenges. Meanwhile, let us dive into the core requirements of a valid UK tenancy.
(Incorporating the Tenant Fees Act 2019 Compliance)
1. THE PARTIES
DATE: This Agreement is made on this ______ day of ____________, 2025.
LANDLORD: __________________________________________________ Address for Service (UK): ________________________________________________
TENANT(S): __________________________________________________
(Collectively referred to as "The Tenant")
2. THE PROPERTY
The Landlord agrees to let and the Tenant agrees to take the residential premises located at: Full Address: ____________________________________________________ Postcode: ________________
3. THE TERM
The Tenancy shall be for a fixed term of ________ months. Commencement Date: ________________, 2025. Expiry Date: ________________, 20____.
4. RENT AND DEPOSIT
Monthly Rent: £__________ (Payable in advance). Payment Due Date: 1st day of each calendar month via Standing Order.
Tenancy Deposit: £__________ (Not to exceed 5 weeks' rent). Note: This deposit MUST be protected in a Government-authorized scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits) within 30 days.
5. LANDLORD’S OBLIGATIONS
Keep the structure and exterior of the Property in good repair.
Ensure all Gas and Electrical appliances meet UK Safety Standards.
Provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and Gas Safety Certificate.
Maintain the peace and "Quiet Enjoyment" of the Tenant.
6. TENANT’S OBLIGATIONS
Pay the Rent on time, even if in dispute.
Keep the interior of the property clean and in good decorative order.
Not to cause a nuisance or annoyance to neighbors.
Not to sublet the property without the Landlord's express written consent.
7. TERMINATION (SECTION 21 & SECTION 8)
Moreover, the Landlord may regain possession under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 by giving at least two months' notice (subject to current UK law). Furthermore, if the Tenant breaches any terms, Section 8 proceedings may commence.
SIGNED BY THE LANDLORD:
__________________________
Date: __________
SIGNED BY THE TENANT(S):
__________________________
Date: __________
1. The Legal Importance of AST in the UK
In fact, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the most common form of rental agreement in the United Kingdom. Moreover, it provides a clear legal framework for both parties. Consequently, any Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK must adhere to the Housing Act 1988. Furthermore, the 2025 updates have introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, landlords must provide tenants with a "How to Rent" guide at the start of the tenancy. Therefore, failure to do so can jeopardize your right to regain possession of the property. Meanwhile, modern agreements must address digital communication and electronic signatures. Ultimately, staying updated with UK law is the only way to ensure a profitable rental business.
Understanding the Fixed Term vs. Periodic Tenancy
Additionally, most UK tenancies begin with a fixed term of six or twelve months. However, once this term ends, the tenancy often becomes a statutory periodic tenancy. Consequently, the rules for notice periods change significantly. Furthermore, our Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK includes clear clauses for both stages. Moreover, we explain how to transition between these terms without legal friction. Therefore, you can manage your property with total confidence. Surprisingly, many landlords forget to update their contracts after the fixed term ends. As a result, they face complications during the eviction process. Ultimately, a well-drafted contract covers every possible scenario.
2. Compliance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019
Furthermore, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 revolutionized how landlords can charge tenants in England. In fact, most administrative fees are now banned. Consequently, your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK must not include "hidden" charges for credit checks or inventory. Additionally, the act limits refundable tenancy deposits to five weeks' rent for properties with an annual rent under £50,000. Therefore, any clause asking for more is legally void. Meanwhile, landlords can still charge for utilities, council tax, and television licenses. Specifically, these must be explicitly mentioned in the contract. Ultimately, compliance with this act is mandatory for a valid Section 21 notice.
Lawful vs. Unlawful Charges
Moreover, knowing what you can legally charge is vital. For example, a holding deposit is capped at one week's rent. However, you must follow strict timelines for returning it if the tenancy does not proceed. Consequently, our template provides a clear breakdown of these legal limits. Furthermore, default fees for late rent can only be charged after 14 days of arrears. Additionally, the interest rate is capped at 3% above the Bank of England base rate. Therefore, overcharging can lead to heavy fines from local authorities. Surprisingly, many landlords are still unaware of these caps. Ultimately, G-LegalHub protects you from these common pitfalls.
3. The Premium UK Tenancy Template Format
ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made on the [Date] between:
LANDLORD: [Name and UK Address for Service of Notices]
TENANT: [Names of all Adult Occupants]
1. THE PROPERTY: Landlord agrees to let the residential premises at [Full UK Postcode and Address]. Consequently, the Tenant agrees to occupy it as a private residence only.
2. RENT: The rent is £[Amount] per calendar month, payable in advance. Therefore, payments must be made via Standing Order on the [Day] of each month.
3. THE DEPOSIT: A deposit of £[Amount] (not exceeding 5 weeks' rent) shall be protected in a Government-authorized scheme. Furthermore, the Prescribed Information must be provided to the Tenant within 30 days.
4. COUNCIL TAX & UTILITIES: The Tenant is responsible for Council Tax, Water, Gas, and Electricity. Moreover, the Tenant must not change utility providers without written consent.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) & Gas Safety (500+ Words)
In fact, the energy efficiency of your property is now a top priority for the UK government. Moreover, since 2020, all rental properties must have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’. However, the new Labour government has confirmed a significant shift. Consequently, by 2030, all privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach at least an EPC rating of ‘C’. Therefore, as a landlord, you should begin planning for upgrades like loft insulation and double glazing immediately. Furthermore, failure to provide a valid EPC to your tenant at the start of a tenancy can lead to fines of up to £5,000.Surprisingly, an invalid EPC can also prevent you from serving a legal eviction notice. Meanwhile, let us discuss the critical nature of Gas Safety.
Additionally, every property with gas appliances must undergo an annual Gas Safety check. Specifically, this must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Furthermore, you are legally required to provide the tenant with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) within 28 days of the check.Consequently, if you fail to provide this at the start of the tenancy, your right to use Section 21 evictions (while they still exist) is revoked. Therefore, keeping digital copies of these records is a smart move. Ultimately, the safety of your tenants is your primary legal responsibility.
Section 10: Right to Rent Checks – The Landlord’s Duty (400+ Words)
Furthermore, landlords in England have a statutory duty to ensure their tenants have the legal right to live in the UK.In fact, this is known as the ‘Right to Rent’ check.Consequently, you must check the original ID documents of every adult occupant before the tenancy begins. Moreover, you cannot simply check people based on their accent or appearance. Therefore, to avoid discrimination claims, you must check everyone equally. Additionally, for British and Irish citizens, a passport is sufficient.However, for foreign nationals, you must use the Home Office online service with a ‘Share Code’.
Meanwhile, you must keep clear copies of these documents for at least one year after the tenancy ends. Specifically, ensure the photographs are a true likeness of the tenant. Consequently, if a tenant has a time-limited right to stay, you must perform follow-up checks.Surprisingly, the fines for non-compliance have increased significantly in 2025. Therefore, a first-time breach can cost you up to £10,000 per tenant. Ultimately, staying diligent with ID verification protects you from massive financial penalties.
Section 11: Council Tax, Utilities, and Bill Management
Additionally, the division of responsibility for bills must be clearly stated in your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK. In fact, the tenant is usually responsible for Council Tax. However, the landlord must notify the local council when a new tenant moves in. Consequently, this prevents the landlord from being chased for unpaid bills. Furthermore, utility switching rules in the UK allow tenants to choose their own energy providers. Therefore, you cannot unreasonably prevent them from switching to a cheaper tariff. Meanwhile, you should record meter readings on the move-in date. Specifically, include these in the check-in inventory report to avoid final bill disputes.
Section 12: The Renters’ Rights Act 2024-2025 (The Viral Topic - 600+ Words)
Surprisingly, the UK rental market is currently undergoing its biggest shake-up in 30 years. In fact, the Renters’ Rights Act (formerly the Renters' Reform Bill) has now received Royal Assent.Consequently, the most significant change is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, which is set to take effect from May 1, 2026.Moreover, this means landlords will always need a valid reason—such as rent arrears or wanting to sell the property—to end a tenancy.Furthermore, all fixed-term tenancies will be abolished. Therefore, every tenancy will become a ‘rolling periodic’ contract from day one.
Additionally, the act introduces a new Decent Homes Standard for the private sector.Consequently, properties must be free from serious hazards like damp and mould.Furthermore, landlords can no longer have blanket bans on tenants with children or those receiving benefits. Meanwhile, the law regarding pets has also changed. Specifically, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request, although they can require the tenant to have pet insurance. Ultimately, these changes aim to give tenants more security. Therefore, updating your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement template UK for 2025 is essential to stay compliant with these new "periodic-only" rules.
15 UK Specific FAQs (Transition Word Oriented)
What is the minimum term for an AST in the UK?
Moreover, while there is no legal minimum, most are for 6 or 12 months. However, under the new Renters' Rights Act, all tenancies will become periodic (rolling) automatically.
Can I refuse a tenant with pets in 2025?In fact, you can no longer have a blanket ban. Consequently, you must have a reasonable excuse to refuse. Furthermore, you can now legally ask the tenant to pay for pet insurance.
What is a 'Right to Rent' check?Additionally, it is a legal requirement to check the immigration status of all adult tenants. Therefore, failing to do so can result in fines up to £20,000 for repeat offenders.
How long do I have to protect the deposit?Specifically, you must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Consequently, if you miss this deadline, you may have to pay the tenant three times the deposit amount.
Is a Gas Safety Certificate mandatory?
Furthermore, yes, it is a criminal offense to rent a property without a valid annual check. Ultimately, you must give a copy to the tenant before they move in.
Can I increase the rent whenever I want?However, you can usually only increase rent once a year.Moreover, you must use a 'Section 13' notice if the tenant does not agree to the increase voluntarily.
What is the 'How to Rent' guide?
In fact, it is a mandatory government document. Therefore, if you don't provide the latest version to your tenant, you cannot legally evict them using Section 21.
Who pays for the inventory report?
Additionally, under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the landlord must pay for the inventory. Consequently, you cannot charge the tenant for check-in or check-out reports.
Is an Electrical Safety Check (EICR) required?Specifically, yes, you must have the electrics inspected every five years.Furthermore, a copy of the report must be provided to the tenant within 28 days.
What happens if there is a 'mould' issue?Moreover, under 'Awaab’s Law', landlords must investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within strict timelines. Ultimately, failure to do so can lead to legal action.
Do I need a license to rent my property?Surprisingly, some local councils require 'Selective Licensing'. Therefore, you must check with your local authority to see if your area is covered.
What is a 'Lead-in' period?
Consequently, this is the time between signing the agreement and the move-in date. Meanwhile, ensure all safety certificates are valid during this period.
Can I ask for 6 months' rent in advance?In fact, yes, it is legal in the UK.However, the new act may limit how much upfront rent can be requested. Therefore, keep an eye on upcoming 2026 amendments.
What is the Deposit Cap in the UK?
Furthermore, for properties with an annual rent under £50,000, the deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent. Consequently, any excess must be refunded.
How much notice must a tenant give to leave?
Additionally, for periodic tenancies, the tenant usually gives one month's notice. However, under the new 2025 rules, this will be standardized to two months.
0 Comments