Types of tenancies
There are many types of tenancy, but fortunately few agents meet more than one or two of them.
The most common types of residential tenancy that an agent will find themselves dealing with are those based on the Housing Act 1988. This replaced the Rent Act 1977 and stopped any more tenancies being created under the 1977 Act.
Most agents find that the vast majority of tenancies they deal with are assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) under the Housing Act 1988.
However, the Renters’ Rights Bill introduced by the Labour government on 11 September 2024 sets out significant changes to private rented sector tenancies, including the end of ASTs. It has not yet been confirmed when the Bill is expected to become law, and there are likely to be changes as it progresses through Parliament.
All private sector tenancies will be periodic tenancies once the Bill becomes the law. More detail is provided in this section.
On 1 December 2022, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force, bringing changes to the way properties are rented in Wales. Occupiers in Wales are now provided with ‘occupation contracts’ rather than tenancy agreements.
For commentary on other types of residential tenancy, see Special tenancies.
This section is maintained by Tamanna Begum of Anthony Gold Solicitors.