What is an AST?

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The most common form of agreement in the UK for a rented property is referred to as an AST and is abbreviated from ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’.

As stated on the Landlord Referencing website, an AST applies if

  • you’re a private landlord or housing association
  • the tenancy started on or after 15 January 1989
  • the property is your tenants’ main accommodation
  • you don’t live in the property

A tenancy can’t be an AST if:

  • it began or was agreed before 15 January 1989
  • the rent is more than £100,000 a year
  • the rent is less than £250 a year (less than £1,000 in London)
  • it’s a business tenancy or tenancy of licensed premises
  • it’s a holiday let
  • the landlord is a local council