Types of Lease
Assured tenancy
A form of tenancy introduced under the 1988 Housing Act for property which is let out as a separate dwelling and used as the tenant's only or main home. An assured tenancy will generally allow the tenant to stay in occupation until either he or she decides to leave or the landlord obtains a possession order.
Assured shorthold tenancy (AST)
Any new tenancy started after 28 February 1997 is automatically an assured shorthold tenancy unless otherwise specified.
AST is a form of tenancy that assures the landlord's right to repossess the property at the end of the term specified in the tenancy agreement, which can be for any length of time. To gain possession the landlord must serve a notice under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 giving a minimum of two months' notice.
