Introduction to Types of Tenancies
When you rent a home in the UK, the type of tenancy agreement you have plays a crucial role in shaping your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord. A tenancy agreement is a legal contract that sets out the terms of your rental, including how long you can stay, how much rent you pay, and what notice is required to end the tenancy. Understanding the different types of tenancies – such as assured shorthold tenancies, assured tenancies, and regulated tenancies – is essential, as each is governed by specific rules under UK law, including the Housing Act 1988 and other relevant legislation.
Knowing your tenancy type helps you understand key aspects like how much notice you or your landlord must give to end the agreement, how your rent can be increased, and what protections you have against eviction. For example, assured shorthold tenancies are the most common in England and Wales and offer certain legal protections, while other types may have different rules around security of tenure and rent reviews.
This page provides an overview of the main tenancy types in the UK, helping you identify which agreement applies to your situation. You’ll also find links to more detailed guides on each tenancy type and related topics, so you can explore your rights and options further. If you’re new to the subject, you might also find it helpful to start with our general guide to renting for a broader understanding of how the rental process works in the UK.
Common Types of Tenancies in the UK
There are several main types of tenancy agreements in the UK, each offering different levels of protection and responsibility for tenants and landlords. Understanding the key features of each tenancy type can help you know your rights, your obligations, and what to expect during your rental period.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): The most common tenancy in England and Wales, an AST is typically used for private rentals where the rent is below £100,000 a year and the tenant does not share accommodation with the landlord. ASTs usually run for a fixed term (often 6 or 12 months), but can also be periodic (rolling week to week or month to month). Landlords must follow rules set out in the Housing Act 1988, including providing proper notice (usually at least two months for eviction under a Section 21 notice) and protecting the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme. Rent increases and repairs are also regulated.
Assured Tenancy: Less common today, assured tenancies offer greater security for tenants and are mostly used by housing associations. Tenants can stay in the property as long as they comply with the agreement, and landlords can only evict for specific legal reasons. The Housing Act 1988 also governs these tenancies, but with more protections for tenants than ASTs.
Regulated (or Protected) Tenancy: These tenancies mostly apply to agreements made before 15 January 1989. Regulated by the Rent Act 1977, they offer strong protection from eviction and allow tenants to apply for a “fair rent” to be set by a rent officer. Landlords can only evict in limited circumstances and must follow strict legal processes.
Excluded Tenancy or Licence: If you live with your landlord (such as renting a room in their home), your agreement is likely an excluded tenancy or licence. These offer fewer legal protections, and landlords usually only need to give “reasonable notice” to end the agreement, with no set minimum period.
Each tenancy type comes with specific rights and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants, covering issues like rent payments, repairs, and how much notice must be given to end the tenancy. For more detailed information, see our dedicated guides on each tenancy type.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the most common type of tenancy for private renters in England and Wales. Introduced by the Housing Act 1988, Section 1, an AST is typically used when a landlord rents out a property as a separate home to an individual or group.
Most ASTs begin with a fixed term – often six or twelve months – after which the tenancy may become periodic, rolling on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis. Both landlords and tenants have specific rights and responsibilities under an AST. For example, landlords must follow set notice periods if they wish to end the tenancy, usually giving at least two months’ notice with a Section 21 notice. Tenants are also required to give notice if they want to leave once the fixed term ends.
Rent is usually set out in the tenancy agreement, and landlords can only increase it under certain conditions, such as at the end of the fixed term or if the agreement allows for reviews. Tenants are responsible for paying rent on time and looking after the property.
ASTs also provide important legal protections for tenants, such as deposit protection, rules about eviction, and the right to challenge unfair rent increases. For a detailed explanation of how an AST works and your rights, see Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) from Shelter England.
Council Housing Tenancies
Council housing tenancies are agreements between tenants and local councils, offering a form of social housing that is different from renting privately. Council tenants usually have more secure rights and longer-term stability compared to private renters. Most council tenants hold what is known as a Secure Tenancy, which means they can usually stay in their home for life, provided they follow the terms of their agreement. These tenancies are governed by the Housing Act 1985, which sets out the key rights and responsibilities for both tenants and councils.
Council tenants have the right to live in their home as long as they pay rent and do not breach the tenancy agreement. Councils are responsible for maintaining the property and handling repairs, while tenants are expected to look after their home and pay rent on time. Rent in council housing is typically set at an affordable rate and reviewed periodically by the council.
To find out more about how council housing tenancies work, including the application process, your rights, and what to expect as a council tenant, visit our detailed guide on council housing.
Housing Association Tenancies
Housing association tenancies are agreements between tenants and not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable housing. These tenancies differ from council and private tenancies in several ways, particularly in terms of security, rent setting, and how the tenancy is managed. Housing association tenants often benefit from longer-term security and more predictable rents compared to private tenants, but the exact rights and responsibilities can vary depending on the type of tenancy offered.
Most housing association tenants have either an assured or assured shorthold tenancy, which affects their protection from eviction and the process for increasing rent. Unlike private tenancies, housing association rents are usually set according to government guidelines to remain affordable. Tenancy agreements outline the rights and obligations of both the tenant and landlord, including notice periods, repairs, and how rent is calculated. For a full overview of the different tenancy types and what to expect, you can read more about a Tenancy Agreement.
The legal framework for housing associations is set out in the Housing Associations Act 1985, which outlines their responsibilities and the protections available to tenants.
To learn more about how housing association tenancies work, the types of agreements available, and your rights as a tenant, visit our detailed guide on housing associations.
Lodgers and Resident Landlords
When you rent a room in your landlord’s home and share living spaces, you’re usually classed as a lodger rather than a tenant. Lodger arrangements are different from standard tenancies: you have fewer legal protections, and your rights are set out in your agreement with your landlord rather than by the Housing Act 1988. Lodgers typically have more flexible notice periods and different rules around rent payments. If you want to understand the unique rights and responsibilities for lodgers and resident landlords, including how notice and eviction work, see our detailed guide.
Student Housing Tenancies
Student housing tenancies are a distinct type of rental agreement commonly used by students during their time at university or college. While many student tenancies are set up as assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), there are some important differences compared to standard private rentals. For example, student tenancy agreements often run for a fixed academic year, typically lasting 9–12 months, and may include joint tenancies for groups sharing a property.
Student tenants have many of the same rights and responsibilities as other private renters, such as protection from unfair eviction and the right to a safe, well-maintained home. Landlords must also follow specific legal standards, including those set out in the Student Accommodation Code, which covers issues like repairs, safety, and dispute resolution.
Rent for student accommodation is usually paid in termly instalments, and notice periods can differ depending on the type of agreement and whether the property is university-managed or privately rented.
To learn more about the different tenancy types available to students, what to look for in a contract, and your legal protections, visit our dedicated page on student housing.
House Sharing Tenancies
House sharing is a common arrangement in the UK, especially among students and young professionals. Legally, house sharing can involve different types of tenancy agreements, such as joint tenancies where all housemates sign a single contract, or individual agreements where each person has their own contract with the landlord. Your rights and responsibilities – like paying rent, handling repairs, and giving notice – depend on which type of agreement you have. Typically, rent and bills are split equally, but the exact arrangement should be agreed upon by everyone and set out in writing. For a full breakdown of the legal aspects, including how to protect your rights and what to watch out for in shared housing, see our detailed guide on house sharing.
Subletting
Subletting happens when a tenant rents out all or part of their home to someone else, known as a subtenant. Whether subletting is allowed depends on the terms of your tenancy agreement and, in many cases, you must get your landlord’s permission before going ahead. Failing to follow the correct process can put your tenancy at risk, as unauthorised subletting is often grounds for eviction under the Housing Act 1988.
If you’re thinking about subletting your property, it’s important to understand your legal responsibilities and how subletting can affect your main tenancy agreement. There are also risks involved, such as being liable for the subtenant’s actions or breaching the terms of your contract.
For a full explanation of the rules, your rights, and what to watch out for, see our dedicated guide on subletting.
Other Renting Arrangements
Not all renting situations fit neatly into standard tenancy types. In the UK, you might encounter different arrangements depending on who you rent from and how the agreement is set up.
Many people rent through letting agents, who act on behalf of landlords. While letting agents manage the property and handle things like viewings, referencing, and repairs, your tenancy agreement is still legally between you and the landlord. Letting agents must follow the Tenant Fees Act 2019, which limits the fees they can charge and ensures transparency in their practices.
If you’re renting a whole house rather than a flat or a room, your rights and responsibilities are usually the same as with other property types. However, you may be responsible for more maintenance, such as gardens or shared spaces, depending on the terms in your agreement. Always check your contract for specific obligations.
There are also differences between renting from private landlords and other types of landlords, such as housing associations or local councils. Private landlords are individuals or companies who own the property, while social landlords must follow additional rules under the Housing Act 1988 and related regulations. Social tenancies often come with greater security and different rent-setting rules compared to the private sector.
Understanding these different renting arrangements can help you know what to expect and ensure you are protected under the correct legal framework.
Renting from a Private Landlord
Renting from a private landlord is one of the most common ways people secure a home in the UK. Private tenancies are typically set up through a written agreement, often known as an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), but the exact terms and conditions can vary from one landlord to another. As a tenant in a private rental, you have important rights – such as protection from unfair eviction and the right to live in a safe, well-maintained property – as well as responsibilities like paying rent on time and looking after the home.
The rules for private tenancies are set out in laws such as the Housing Act 1988, which outlines how tenancy agreements work, what notice periods apply, and how your deposit should be protected. Because private landlords can offer a range of tenancy types and set different terms, it’s important to understand your specific agreement.
For a detailed guide on your rights, responsibilities, and what to expect when renting from a private landlord, visit our dedicated page.
Renting through a Letting Agent
When you rent a property, you might deal directly with the landlord or through a letting agent. Letting agents act on behalf of landlords to manage the property, arrange viewings, handle tenancy agreements, and collect rent. If a letting agent is involved, they often become your main point of contact for repairs, complaints, and any questions about your tenancy. There are specific rules letting agents must follow, including those set out in the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Tenant Fees Act 2019, which regulate the fees they can charge and require them to be transparent about their services.
If you want to understand more about the role of letting agents, how they affect your rights and responsibilities, and what protections are in place for tenants, visit our detailed guide on renting through a letting agent.
Renting a House
When renting a house in the UK, there are some important differences compared to renting a flat or other types of property. Houses often come with additional responsibilities, such as looking after gardens, boundaries, and sometimes shared driveways. The terms of your tenancy agreement may include specific clauses about maintenance and repairs, and you may have more say over the use of outdoor space.
Legally, most house rentals in England and Wales are assured shorthold tenancies under the Housing Act 1988, but the responsibilities of tenants and landlords can differ depending on the property type. For example, you might be expected to handle minor repairs or garden upkeep, while landlords remain responsible for structural repairs and safety standards.
If you’re considering renting a house and want to understand the differences in legal protections, tenancy agreements, and your rights and responsibilities, see our detailed guide on renting a house.
Rights and Responsibilities Across Tenancy Types
No matter which type of tenancy agreement you have, both tenants and landlords in the UK share certain fundamental rights and responsibilities. These are set out in key legislation such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which covers issues like property repairs, safety standards, and fair treatment.
Common tenant rights include the right to live in a safe and well-maintained home, protection from unfair eviction, and access to information about your tenancy and landlord. For a full list, see our guide to tenant rights.
Landlords, in turn, must ensure the property is fit to live in, carry out necessary repairs, respect tenants’ privacy, and follow legal procedures for increasing rent or regaining possession. These duties apply across most tenancy types and are reinforced by laws such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
The type of tenancy you have – such as assured shorthold, assured, or regulated – affects the way your rights are protected, especially when it comes to eviction. For example, assured shorthold tenants can usually be evicted with a Section 21 notice after the fixed term ends, while other tenancies may require a Section 8 Notice if the tenant has breached the agreement.
Notice periods – the amount of warning you or your landlord must give before ending the tenancy – also depend on the tenancy type and the reason for ending it. Some agreements require as little as two months’ notice, while others may need longer or have special rules during certain situations. For more on how to end a tenancy correctly, visit our page on ending your tenancy.
Understanding your specific tenancy type is crucial to knowing your legal position, how much notice must be given, and what steps to take if problems arise.
Understanding Tenancy Agreements and Related Legal Matters
A tenancy agreement is a crucial document that sets out the terms of your rental, protecting both tenants and landlords by making rights and responsibilities clear. It should include key details such as the names of everyone involved, the property address, start and end dates, rent amount, and notice periods. For a full breakdown of what should be in a tenancy agreement, see our dedicated guide.
The type of tenancy you have – such as an assured shorthold tenancy, secure tenancy, or excluded tenancy – will affect how your rental deposits are handled. In most cases, landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme, as required by the Housing Act 2004.
Your agreement will also set out rental conditions, which typically cover rules on rent payments, repairs, subletting, and whether pets are allowed. These conditions must comply with the law and cannot override your basic rights as a tenant.
If a tenant passes away or leaves, tenancy succession rules determine who, if anyone, can take over the tenancy. The rules vary depending on the type of tenancy and the relationship to the original tenant.
When applying for a new home, the tenancy type can influence the rental applications process and what landlords expect in terms of rental references, such as proof of income or previous landlord recommendations.
If you need help paying your rent, your eligibility for housing benefit may depend on your tenancy type and personal circumstances.
UK law protects tenants from rental discrimination, ensuring you cannot be treated unfairly because of your race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Finally, most tenants are responsible for arranging and paying for utilities and energy supply, unless your agreement states otherwise. Always check your contract to be clear about your obligations.
