Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a rental property between a landlord and a tenant in England and Wales. Crafting a professional AST template is crucial for both parties, ensuring clarity, minimizing disputes, and safeguarding legal rights.

Key Elements of a Professional AST Template

1. Identifying the Parties

Begin by clearly identifying all parties involved:

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Landlord: Full legal name and address.

Tenant(s): Full legal name(s) and address(es) of all tenants.

Property Address: Precise and unambiguous description of the property.

Design Considerations:

Font: Employ a professional and easily readable font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.

Spacing: Use consistent spacing throughout the document for enhanced readability.

Headings: Utilize clear and concise headings (e.g., “Landlord,” “Tenant(s),” “Property Address”) to improve navigation.

2. Term of the Tenancy

Specify the start and end dates of the tenancy. Clearly state whether it is a fixed-term tenancy (with a specific end date) or a periodic tenancy (e.g., month-to-month).

Design Considerations:

Bolding: Bold the start and end dates for emphasis.

Bullet Points: Utilize bullet points to clearly differentiate between fixed-term and periodic tenancies.

3. Rent and Payment

Outline the agreed-upon rent amount, payment frequency (e.g., monthly), and the preferred method of payment (e.g., bank transfer, standing order). Include details on any late payment charges and the grace period allowed.

Design Considerations:

Tables: Use a table to present rent information in a clear and organized manner.

Currency: Clearly specify the currency used for rent payments.

4. Inventory and Condition report

Include a detailed inventory of all fixtures, fittings, appliances, and furnishings included in the tenancy. This should be accompanied by a thorough condition report, documenting the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy.

Design Considerations:

Checklists: Utilize checklists for both the inventory and condition report to ensure completeness and clarity.

Photographs: Consider including photographs of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.

5. Tenant Obligations

Clearly outline the tenant’s responsibilities, including:

Payment of rent on time.

Keeping the property in good repair and condition.

Adhering to any rules or regulations of the building or estate.

Obtaining landlord’s consent for any alterations or improvements.

Allowing access to the property for repairs or inspections.

Maintaining appropriate noise levels and respecting other residents.

Design Considerations:

Numbering: Number each tenant obligation for easy reference.

Subheadings: Use subheadings to group related obligations (e.g., “Property Maintenance,” “Conduct”).

6. Landlord Obligations

Outline the landlord’s responsibilities, including:

Ensuring the property is fit for human habitation.

Carrying out necessary repairs to the property.

Providing access to essential services (e.g., water, gas, electricity).

Complying with relevant health and safety regulations.

Giving reasonable notice for access to the property.

Design Considerations:

Bullet Points: Utilize bullet points to clearly present landlord obligations.

7. Deposit

Specify the amount of the deposit, how it will be protected (e.g., Tenancy Deposit Scheme), and the procedure for its return at the end of the tenancy.

Design Considerations:

Bolding: Bold the deposit amount for emphasis.

Hyperlinks: Include hyperlinks to relevant legislation and guidance on deposit protection.

8. Notice Periods

Clearly state the notice periods required by both the landlord and tenant to terminate the tenancy.

Design Considerations:

Table: Use a table to clearly present notice periods for different scenarios (e.g., landlord notice, tenant notice).

9. Governing Law

Specify that the agreement is governed by English law.

Design Considerations:

Separate Section: Dedicate a separate section to governing law for clarity.

10. Dispute Resolution

Outline the preferred method for resolving any disputes that may arise between the landlord and tenant (e.g., mediation, arbitration).

Design Considerations:

Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to explain the dispute resolution process.

11. Signatures

Include spaces for both the landlord and tenant(s) to sign and date the agreement.

Design Considerations:

Clear Signature Lines: Provide clear signature lines with spaces for the date and printed name below each signature.

Professionalism and Trust

Layout and Formatting: Maintain a consistent and professional layout and formatting throughout the document.

Clarity and Conciseness: Use clear, concise, and unambiguous language that is easy for both landlords and tenants to understand.

Legal Accuracy: Ensure the agreement accurately reflects current tenancy law and best practices.

Brand Consistency: If applicable, incorporate your brand colors and logo for a more professional and polished appearance.

By carefully considering these elements, you can create a professional and legally sound AST template that protects the interests of both landlords and tenants while fostering a positive and productive landlord-tenant relationship.