Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on the << >> day of << >>, 20<< >>, between <<Landlord’s Name>>, residing at <<Landlord’s Address>> (hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord”), and <<Tenant’s Name>>, residing at <<Tenant’s Address>> (hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”).

1. Property Details

The Landlord agrees to let, and the Tenant agrees to take the residential property located at <<Address>>, together with any garden, fixtures, furniture, and effects as detailed in the inventory signed by both parties (hereinafter referred to as the “Inventory”).

2. Term of Tenancy

The tenancy shall commence on the << >> day of << >>, 20<< >> and shall continue for a fixed term of << >> months. At the end of the fixed term, if the Landlord has not received at least one (1) calendar month’s written notice from the Tenant terminating the Agreement, the tenancy shall automatically continue as a contractual periodic tenancy, with rental periods aligning with those previously payable under this Agreement. The periodic tenancy shall continue until terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions set out herein.

3. Rent and Payment Terms

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of £<< >> per calendar month, payable in advance on the << >> day of each month (“Due Date”). The rent shall be paid in full and without deductions, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Landlord.

4. Letting Terms

The Landlord lets and the Tenant takes possession of the Property for the agreed Term and Rent as stipulated. The Tenant acknowledges that all adult occupants of the Property must maintain a legal “right to rent”, as defined under the Immigration Act 2014, throughout the duration of the tenancy.

5. Interpretation

For the purposes of this Agreement: (i) Any obligation placed upon the Tenant not to perform an act shall include an obligation not to allow any third party to perform such an act. (ii) The obligations of multiple persons comprising the Tenant or the Landlord shall be enforceable jointly and severally. (iii) This Agreement is not intended to confer rights upon third parties under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. (iv) All monetary obligations include applicable Value Added Tax (VAT), if relevant. (v) Any statutory reference in this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the law as it stands at the time of enforcement.

6. Security Deposit

The Tenant shall pay a deposit of £<<sum>> (“Deposit”) to the Landlord or their appointed agent upon execution of this Agreement. The Deposit shall be safeguarded under an authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme in accordance with the Housing Act 2004. The Landlord shall provide the Tenant with the legally required prescribed information regarding the Deposit within thirty (30) days of receipt. The Deposit shall serve as security for any breaches of the Tenant’s obligations, including unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. Any deductions from the Deposit shall be communicated to the Tenant within ten (10) working days following the termination of the tenancy.

7. Tenant’s Responsibilities

7.1 Payment of Utilities and Council Tax

The Tenant shall be responsible for all payments associated with utilities, including electricity, gas, water, sewerage, telephone, and broadband services, in addition to the Council Tax levied on the Property. The Tenant shall not switch service providers or alter metering equipment without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

7.2 Maintenance and Repairs

The Tenant shall use the Property in a reasonable and responsible manner, ensuring its upkeep and cleanliness throughout the tenancy. Any damage caused by negligence or improper use shall be remedied at the Tenant’s expense. The Tenant shall be responsible for routine maintenance, including but not limited to replacing light bulbs, fuses, and batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

7.3 Access for Inspections and Repairs

The Tenant shall allow the Landlord, their agent, or authorised contractors to access the Property for inspections, repairs, or maintenance, provided that reasonable prior notice is given. In cases of emergency, the Landlord may enter the Property without prior notice to prevent damage or ensure safety.

7.4 Use of Property

The Tenant shall use the Property exclusively as a private residence and shall not conduct business or commercial activities within the premises. The Tenant shall not engage in activities that cause nuisance or disturbance to neighbours, nor use the Property for any illegal or immoral purposes. Smoking within the Property is prohibited, and pets may not be kept without prior written consent from the Landlord.

7.5 End of Tenancy Obligations

Upon termination of the tenancy, the Tenant shall ensure that the Property is vacated in a clean and habitable condition, with all personal belongings removed. Any items left behind may be disposed of by the Landlord at the Tenant’s expense. All keys shall be returned to the Landlord; failure to do so may result in deductions from the Deposit to cover lock replacement costs.

8. Landlord’s Responsibilities

The Landlord covenants that the Tenant shall have uninterrupted quiet enjoyment of the Property, provided that the Tenant complies with all terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Landlord shall be responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the Property, including plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The Landlord shall also comply with all applicable fire safety regulations, ensuring the provision and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If the Property becomes uninhabitable for reasons beyond the Tenant’s control, the Landlord shall refund any prepaid rent for the affected period.

9. Rent Arrears and Penalties

If rent remains unpaid for fourteen (14) days beyond the Due Date, the Tenant shall incur interest on the outstanding balance at a rate of % above the Bank of England’s base rate, accruing from the Due Date until full payment is received. Persistent failure to pay rent shall entitle the Landlord to pursue legal action for recovery and possession of the Property.

10. Termination of Tenancy

10.1 Termination by the Landlord

The Landlord may terminate this Agreement by serving the Tenant a written notice of at least two (2) months, which shall take effect at the end of a rental period. The Landlord may also seek possession through legal proceedings in cases of substantial breaches of this Agreement.

10.2 Termination by the Tenant

The Tenant may terminate this Agreement by serving the Landlord a written notice of at least two (2) months, which shall take effect at the end of a rental period.

11. Notices and Communications

All notices to the Tenant shall be deemed duly served when delivered to the Property address. Notices to the Landlord shall be served at the following address:

Landlord’s Address for Notices:

<< >>

<< >>

<< >>

Where applicable, a copy of any notice served on the Landlord must also be sent to their appointed agent at:

Agent’s Address for Notices:

<< >>

<< >>

<< >>

12. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

13. Execution and Signatures

By signing this Agreement, both parties confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by its terms.

SIGNED by the Landlord

<<Landlord’s Name>>

SIGNED by the Tenant(s)

<<Tenant’s Name(s)>>