Guidance

Model agreement for a shorthold assured tenancy

A model tenancy agreement for use in the private rented sector where a shorthold tenancy is being entered into, and accompanying guidance.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This model tenancy agreement also contains guidance on its use and clauses. It has been designed by the government for use when the landlord and tenant are entering into a shorthold assured tenancy agreement in the private rented sector.

It will be particularly relevant for use when the parties are entering into a longer term tenancy of 2 or more years. It, therefore, contains provisions relating to rent reviews and those which enable the landlord or the tenant to end the tenancy during the fixed term if their circumstances change.

The model tenancy agreement is made available free of charge and can either be completed online or downloaded and completed manually. If the agreement is completed online, it will need to be printed off for wet signature.

It is intended to be used in its entirety without any deletions or other amendments. It allows for particular boxes to be ticked and text to be inserted in certain sections.

Two copies of the agreement should be made - 1 for the landlord, the other for the tenant. It is the responsibility of either party to keep the agreement in a safe place as it will need to be referred to during the tenancy.

The use of the model is entirely voluntary. There is no legal requirement to use it - although landlords and tenants will be able to do so with confidence.

If you plan to use the agreement also see the how to rent guide.

Published 11 September 2014
Last updated 28 January 2021 + show all updates
  1. The Model Tenancy Agreement has been revised to encourage landlords to offer greater flexibility in their approach to pet ownership, and enable responsible pet owning tenants to find private landlords who will accept them. The document has also been revised to reflect legislative changes made since the previous version was published.

  2. Added link to information about how private renting is affected by COVID-19.

  3. Updated the model tenancy agreement to reflect relevant legislative changes.

  4. This document has been updated, as of October 2015, to reflect relevant legislative changes.

  5. First published.