Private Tenants

There are three main types of tenancy in the private rented sector:

• A Rent Act Protected Tenancy
• An Assured Tenancy
• An Assured Shorthold Tenancy

Since 15th January 1989 all new tenancies in the private rented sector will either be assured or assured shorthold tenancies under the Housing Act 1988, as amended by the Housing Act 1996.

The only exception to the above is in the situation where an existing Rent Act tenant is moving under the discretionary grounds for possession of suitable alternative accommodation.

These tenancies are covered in detail in the following section.

If your tenancy commenced before 15th January 1989 then you will be a protected tenant under the Rent Act 1977.

However, there are exceptions, although they are rare. For instance, where you enjoy "hotel" type of services, you may only be a licencee without long term security.

Rent Act tenants have long term security of tenure and many other rights. In general, the main issues of recent concern have centred on the registration of a Fair Rent. This issue is covered in detail in the section Fair Rents.

If you are uncertain about your security of tenure you should always seek individual advice.