What is an assured shorthold tenancy – does this give me any other rights?
Since February 1997, all new private sector tenancies are assumed to be assured shorthold tenancies unless the agreement states otherwise or the landlord gives written notice that it is not. A letting cannot be an assured or shorthold tenancy if: • the tenancy began before 15 January, 1989; • it is a company or holiday let; • no rent, a very low rent or a very high rent is charged; • the landlord lives at or shares the premises. There are also some exceptions for former public sector rented accommodation being transferred to the private sector and where a long lease comes to an end. Assured shorthold tenancies – the facts Under new legislation, there is no longer a requirement for the tenancy to be for at least six months. However, a court cannot grant an order of possession during the first six months of the tenancy except in limited circumstances; the most common of these are: • rent arrears of at least eight weeks • death of the tenant • mortgagee exercising power of sale • demoliti
