Updated Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

As the rental market continues to evolve and change, landlords and tenants alike need to stay current with the latest changes in rental law and agreements. One such update is the assured shorthold tenancy agreement.

The assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST) is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in a rental property. This agreement is used for most residential tenancies in England and Wales, whether it`s a single room or an entire property.

Recently, the government updated the AST to include several new provisions. These changes will affect both landlords and tenants and will come into effect on June 1st, 2019.

One of the most significant changes to the AST is the introduction of a new form of tenancy, known as the “Section 21 Notice.” This new clause allows landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, as long as they have followed the correct procedures and given sufficient notice.

Another change to the AST involves the length of the notice period. Previously, landlords were required to give tenants two months` notice before ending the tenancy. However, the government has now extended this to three months` notice.

Additionally, the new AST includes provisions to address issues such as subletting and tenant fees. The agreement now specifies that tenants are not allowed to sublet the property or charge their own fees to subletters. This will help to prevent tenants from exploiting subletters for their own gain.

Finally, the new AST includes provisions to protect tenants against retaliatory evictions. These evictions occur when a tenant raises a legitimate complaint about the property, and the landlord responds by evicting the tenant. Under the new AST, landlords will be prohibited from evicting tenants in these circumstances.

If you are a landlord or tenant, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest changes to rental law and the AST. By understanding these changes and keeping your agreements up-to-date, you can help to protect your rights and stay on the right side of the law.