The Ultimate (Personality) Guide to Types of Tenancy

If you’ve ever felt like deciphering types of tenancy is akin to cracking secret codes, fear not – your Davies and Davies property guru is here to shed some light on the various types of tenancy you might encounter on your journey to finding the perfect rental abode. So grab your £5 flat white (/the real reason you’re still renting apparently), settle into your rented faux leather two seater, and let’s find out once and for all which tenancy type is you all over…

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST):

Ah, the tried and tested AST, the true popstar of rental agreements! If the renting world had a Taylor Swift, AST would be it. A little like your Netflix subscription, this type of tenancy is flexible, easy to renew, and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of freedom. Assured tenancies are private, usually involving a Housing Association or Trust and you have some protection against rent increases. Much like Swift’s hits, AST agreements are pretty standard, middle of the road and widely accepted in the rental universe. (No shade Swifters).

Periodic Tenancy:

Picture this: you’re at a party, and the music is so good that you never want it to end. Well, that’s the true spirit of a periodic tenancy. It’s like a never ending party where the lease continues on a rolling basis until either the landlord or the tenant decides to hit the pause button. This is a rolling tenancy agreement, one that runs for a pre-agreed period of time, usually month to month. It’s the rental version of The Neverending Story, minus the luck dragons. Though that furry Falkor could seriously come in handy in the cooler months, couldn’t he?

Fixed Term Tenancy:

Are you the type who likes to plan ahead and colour code their schedule? If yes, then a fixed-term tenancy is your cup of tea. It’s like a pre-booked holiday – you know exactly when it starts and when it ends. No surprises, just good old-fashioned certainty. Many landlords will issue a five year fixed-term tenancy, while some prefer two year fixed-term tenancies depending. Just remember, unlike your annual leave, you can’t extend this one with a well-versed sneaky email to your landlord.

Company Let:

Calling all business-minded individuals! The company let is your golden ticket to renting a property under your company’s name. It’s like having a VIP pass in the rental world. Legally, every company let is governed by the Law of Property Act instead of the various Housing Acts which means you won’t get the same protection as you’re not legally classified as a consumer. Just make sure your company’s credit score is more “A-list celebrity” and less “struggling artist” to seal the deal.

Non-Assured Tenancy:

Imagine renting a property that’s so exclusive, it doesn’t even need to follow the typical rules of an AST. That’s the non-assured tenancy for you! It’s like the mysterious neighbour who only comes out at night – unconventional and a bit enigmatic. Just be prepared for some surprises along the way!

Regulated Tenancy:

Do you have a soft spot for vintage vibes and classic charm? If so, a regulated tenancy might be right up your alley. If you pay rent to a private landlord and your tenancy started before 15th January 1989, you’ll find it’ll be regulated. You can only be evicted when your landlord gets a court order, and they need a good legal reason for getting rid of you. It’s like renting a property straight out of a time capsule, with rent control and other old-school protections in place. Just be ready to embrace the quirks and charms of a bygone era…

Rent Act Protected Tenancy:

Ah, the granddaddy of all types of tenancy – the Rent Act Protected Tenancy everybody. It’s like renting a property that comes with its own set of ancient scrolls and secret passageways. Protected tenancies give a tenant both security of tenure and the right to a fair rent. This type of tenancy is as rare as a unicorn sighting since the passage of the Housing Act 1988, so if you stumble upon one, consider yourself extremely lucky!

As you can see, the world of tenancies is a diverse landscape filled with all sorts of characters and quirks. Whether you’re a fan of the tried-and-tested AST or prefer the enigmatic allure of a non-assured tenancy, there’s types of tenancy out there for everyone. Give us a shout for some more in-depth info on each type, and find out which one is the perfect one is “so totally you”.

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

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