AST (assured shorthold tenancy)
What it really means
The most common type of tenancy contract in England, usually for 6 or 12 months. It gives you the legal right to live there and protects your deposit. Most private rentals and student houses use an AST. GOV.UK explains the details.
Context, tips & common mistakes
The assured shorthold tenancy has been the standard private tenancy in England for decades — the framework behind deposit protection rules, the fixed term, and the notice procedures — and most of what you sign will still carry the AST label. But this is the one area of renting law in active upheaval: major reform legislation is abolishing the old regime (including section 21 'no-fault' evictions) in favour of periodic assured tenancies, with the transition rolling out now.
The practical takeaway is not to memorise tenancy law from any static source, this site included: before signing, and before acting on any notice you receive, check the current position on Shelter or GOV.UK, which track the changes precisely. What does not change: get the agreement in writing, read it fully, keep your copy, and remember Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run different tenancy systems from England entirely.