Private sector tenancies

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Assured tenancies

The Housing Act 1988 (HA 1988) replaced the Rent Act 1977 (RA 1977) security of tenure regime for residential tenants from 15 January 1989. There are however still a significant number of Rent Act tenancies in existence, as the RA 1977 regime effectively provides security of tenure for life and succession rights, save for the landlord's right to obtain possession in certain circumstances. See Practice Note: A summary of types of private residential tenancies.

Tenancies granted on or after 15 January 1989 were likely to automatically be assured tenancies (ATs) governed by HA 1988 (unless the tenancy was a renewal of an existing Rent Act tenancy), provided they meet the relevant criteria set out in HA 1988, s1(1) and do not fall within the exceptions in HA 1988, Sch 1, Pt 1.

For further guidance, see Practice Note: Granting assured and assured shorthold tenancies—pre-Renters' Rights Act 2025 position.

Assured shorthold tenancies

An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is a form of AT, save that ASTs do not provide long-term security of tenure. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (

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