Introduction and main differences

All private lettings since the 15th January 1989 are either Assured or Assured Shorthold Tenancies, unless they are excluded [see Licences & Excluded Occupiers].

Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies [AST] were introduced by the Housing Act 1988, which was later amended by the Housing Act 1996 for tenancies commencing from 28th February 1997.

Your rights depend on what type of tenancy you have and whether your tenancy started before or after 28th February 1997.

The main difference between an Assured Tenancy and an AST is that with an AST the landlord is guaranteed to regain possession after the contractual period has come to an end. In order to regain possession of an Assured tenancy the landlord must show grounds [see Grounds for Possession].

Both types of tenancy require the landlord to give notice that he or she requires possession and then to obtain a court order.