Tenancy Agreements Explained
What your contract means, what must be included, and what terms are unfair or unenforceable.
Key points: Most private tenancies in England are assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). Your landlord must give you a written agreement. Some contract terms are unfair and cannot be enforced, even if you signed them.
Types of Tenancy
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The most common type. You have this unless told otherwise. Gives you strong legal protections.
- Deposit must be protected
- Court order needed for eviction
- Right to challenge rent increases
Periodic Tenancy
Rolls week-to-week or month-to-month. Usually starts after a fixed term ends.
- Same protections as AST
- No fixed end date
- 1 month notice to leave (usually)
You do NOT have an AST if:
- You live with your landlord (you are a lodger)
- Your rent is over £100,000 per year
- You rent from a council or housing association
- Your tenancy started before 15 January 1989
What Your Agreement Must Include
While verbal agreements are technically valid, your landlord should give you a written tenancy agreement. If asked, they must provide written details of the main terms within 28 days.
Essential Information
Names of landlord and tenants
Property address
Start date and length of tenancy
Rent amount and payment date
Deposit amount and scheme details
Which bills you pay
Unfair Terms That Cannot Be Enforced
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, unfair terms in tenancy agreements cannot be enforced against you - even if you signed the contract.
Charging you for normal wear and tear
Making you pay the landlord's legal costs in a dispute
Banning all guests or overnight visitors
Requiring professional cleaning at the end (unless it was professionally cleaned at the start)
Allowing the landlord to enter without notice
Automatic renewal without your agreement
Charging excessive fees for late rent (must be reasonable)
Preventing you from joining a tenants' association
Your Obligations as a Tenant
- Pay rent on time
- Pay council tax and utility bills (unless contract says otherwise)
- Look after the property and not damage it
- Report repairs needed to the landlord
- Allow access for repairs (with proper notice)
- Not sublet without permission
- Not use the property for illegal purposes
- Give proper notice when leaving
Changes from 1 May 2026
Under the Renters Rights Act 2024, all new tenancies from 1 May 2026 will automatically be periodic (rolling) tenancies. Fixed-term ASTs will no longer exist for new tenancies.
This means you will be able to leave with 2 months notice at any time, rather than being locked into a fixed term. Landlords will only be able to end your tenancy using specific legal grounds.
Official Sources
GOV.UK: Tenancy agreementsShelter: Types of renting agreementCitizens Advice: Tenancy agreementsGOV.UK: Unfair terms explained