Assured shorthold tenancy agreement free template download

Sometimes you need a shorthold tenancy agreement and you need a template to follow in order to make sure you are following the law correctly.

In this article, we guide you through how to create a short term tenancy agreement which is usually an AST and this assumes you are not doing a lodger agreement.

What is an assured shorthold tenancy agreement?

Tenancy agreements are those that are strictly for residential property rather than being able to be used for commercial lease agreements.

Download link to generic template

You can download a generic template from the button below that you can fill in to create a customisable agreement.

Lofti short term tenancy agreement download

Below is a template in Lofit branding. You will be able to fill out less information yourself as more is given to you. However, it is still recommended to go over the agreement and make sure that it is right for you.

What must be included in a short term tenancy agreement?

A short-term tenancy agreement in the UK, often referred to as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), must include several critical components to ensure clarity for both parties involved. Under

The information of the parties of the agreement

The full names and contact details of the tenants or tenant and landlord or letting agency should be clearly detailed in the agreement. Usually at the top of the agreement.with space for all parties to fill out their names using a signing software such as this one.

In addition to basic contact information, the tenant’s employment status and current employer can be included. This can be helpful in demonstrating the tenant’s ability to meet rental payment obligations.

Tenant personal information

In addition to basic contact information, the tenant’s employment status and current employer can be included in this stage of the agreement.

It is up to the landlord and the letting agent to verify this and the extent of the check that they go through is up to them. This is known as the tenant referencing process.

This can be helpful in demonstrating the tenant’s ability to meet rental payment obligations.

Landlord personal information

In a tenancy agreement, it’s imperative to include certain details about the landlord, serving as key contact points and aiding in enforcing the agreement’s terms.

The landlord’s full legal name should be listed. In instances where a company owns the property, the legal name of the company is necessary. The agreement should feature the landlord’s current address, telephone number, and, if available, an email address, facilitating communication regarding any property-related concerns or emergencies.

If an agent or a property management company represents the landlord, their contact details should also be provided, clarifying who the tenant would interact with on a regular basis.

The agreement should provide an address for service, a legally recognized location where the landlord or agent consents to receive official documents, which may differ from their regular contact address.

Although not always included in the agreement itself, the banking details of the landlord or their agent might be required for the tenant to establish rent payments. It’s important to remember that these requirements can vary depending on local laws, and different landlords or agents might choose to include additional information.

It’s equally crucial to ensure all agreements comply with local privacy and data protection regulations.

Property information

A tenancy agreement, being a crucial contract between a landlord and tenant, should encompass key property-related details to outline the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. The full address of the property and a thorough description, including the type of property (house, apartment, etc.), number of rooms, and any outdoor space, should be included.

The agreement should specify the fixtures, fittings, and appliances provided with the property. A report outlining the property’s condition at the beginning of the tenancy is beneficial for resolving potential disputes over damage or wear and tear.

Clear information on who is responsible for maintenance and repairs, ranging from minor tasks like changing light bulbs to major repairs, is necessary. Furthermore, the agreement should state what modifications or alterations the tenant can make to the property, such as painting walls or installing shelves.

The maximum occupancy limit should be explicitly stated, along with any rules or restrictions regarding pet ownership, smoking, or conducting business from the property. The responsibility for utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet should be defined. If applicable, parking provisions and related rules should be noted.

Lastly, if the property is part of a larger complex, guidelines pertaining to the usage of common areas like gardens, gyms, and hallways should be incorporated. Note that this isn’t exhaustive, as requirements may vary depending on local laws, property type, and specific landlord-tenant agreements.

Rent and Bills – Who Pays What?

A tenancy agreement in the UK typically begins by outlining the payment responsibilities of the tenant. This includes rent, which is usually paid monthly and in advance, and any bills, such as utilities and council tax. The agreement should clearly stipulate the amount of rent due, the date it should be paid each month, and the method of payment. If any bills are included in the rent, this should also be clarified.

Utility Bills

The tenant is generally responsible for the utility bills, including electricity, gas, and water. However, some tenancy agreements may include utilities as part of the rent. If this is the case, it should be explicitly stated in the agreement.

Council Tax

In most cases, the tenant is responsible for paying council tax. However, if the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the landlord may be liable. The tenancy agreement should clearly indicate who is responsible for this payment.

Deposit

The short term tenancy agreement should detail the amount of deposit required, how it will be protected in a government-approved scheme, and the circumstances under which deductions may be made at the end of the tenancy.

How to Rent Guide

Landlords are legally obliged to provide tenants with a ‘How to Rent’ guide at the start of their short term tenancy. This guide, which can be provided in either electronic or paper format, outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord.

Rules around Property Use

The agreement should lay out any restrictions on the use of the property. This may include guidelines on noise levels, business activities, or the accommodation of guests.

Garden Access

If the property includes a garden, the short term tenancy agreement should specify who has access to it and who is responsible for its upkeep.

Subleasing

Subleasing, or subletting, involves the tenant renting out all or part of the property to someone else. Most short term tenancy agreements require the tenant to obtain the landlord’s permission before subleasing.

Pet Policy

Whether pets are permitted in the property will be outlined in the tenancy agreement. If pets are allowed, there may be specific rules around the type and number of pets, and any additional deposits or cleaning fees.

Redecorating

Most short term tenancy agreements require the tenant to get the landlord’s permission before making any significant changes to the property, such as painting or wallpapering.

Smoking

The short term tenancy agreement will state whether smoking is allowed in the property. If smoking is prohibited, this rule must be adhered to in order to avoid potential deductions from the deposit at the end of the short term tenancy.

Safety Precautions

The agreement should outline any safety precautions the tenant must take, such as not blocking fire exits and maintaining smoke detectors.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The landlord is legally required to install smoke alarms on every floor of the property and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. The tenant is usually responsible for checking these regularly and replacing batteries as necessary.

Waste and Refuse

The short term tenancy agreement should provide guidelines on the disposal of waste and recycling. It may also detail the dates of waste collection and any penalties for non-compliance.

Appliance Details

If the property is let furnished, the short term tenancy agreement should include a list of all the provided appliances, along with details on their maintenance and repair responsibilities.

What Happens at the End of the Tenancy?

Finally, the agreement should clarify the procedure for ending the short term tenancy. This includes the notice period required, the return of the deposit, and the condition in which the property must be left. If either party wishes to extend the agreement, the process for doing so should also be outlined.