Housing law: setting up an Assured Shorthold Tenancy in England

Assured Shorthold Tenancies (“ASTs”) are the most usual types of tenancy that are granted. They are popular with landlords because they are relatively easy to bring to an end in comparison to many other types of tenancy.

This guide sets out the various steps and formalities that are required to successfully grant an AST for properties in England, and there is a checklist in the schedule at the end of this document to help guide you.

Please note that the information in this business guide applies to properties let in England only.

Housing law is changing. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and the government has now set out a phased timetable for implementing the various changes. Except where otherwise indicated, this guide deals with the law as at the date of publication. Members wanting to know more about the upcoming changes should contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.

Please note that it will not be possible to set up an AST after 1st May 2026 and all existing ASTs will automatically convert to assured periodic tenancies on that date. Members setting up new tenancy agreements in the meantime are recommended to set them up as ASTs as set out in this guide. The Government will be producing an Information Sheet setting out the changes in the RRA and landlords will need to provide their tenants with a copy of this by no later than 31 May 2026.