Tenancies & Possession10 min readLast reviewed 3 July 2026
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) in England: A Landlord and Agent Guide
The assured shorthold tenancy has been the default rental contract in England for decades. Learn how ASTs work today and what changes under the Renters' Rights Act.
England only. This guide applies to private rented property in England. Wales and Scotland have separate legal frameworks — dedicated guides will be published separately.
Key takeaways
- An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is the most common tenancy type for private renters in England.
- ASTs can be fixed-term or periodic — but new lets from 1 May 2026 become periodic from day one.
- Landlords must provide prescribed documents before occupation (gas, EICR, EPC, deposit info, How to Rent).
- Existing fixed-term ASTs continue until expiry, then convert to periodic tenancies.
- Agents should audit tenancy templates ahead of the Renters' Rights Act changes.
What is an assured shorthold tenancy?
The assured shorthold tenancy (AST) has been the standard contract for private renting in England since the Housing Act 1988. It provides landlords with a legal framework for letting residential property while giving tenants security of tenure for a defined period.