Westgate Chambers’ Civil Team have seen a sharp rise in acting for both claimants and defendants having received instructions from a range of local law firms.

As Brexit, COVID-19 and the rate of inflation continue to take their toll on both landlords and tenants, the most common form of tenancy continues to be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy?

A tenancy can be an AST if all the following apply:

• You’re a private landlord or housing association
• The tenancy started on or after 15 January 1989
• The property is your tenants’ main accommodation
• You do not live in the property

A tenancy cannot be an AST if:

• Tt began or was agreed before 15 January 1989
• The rent is more than £100,000 a year
• The rent is less than £250 a year (less than £1,000 in London)
• It’s a business tenancy or tenancy of licensed premises
• It’s a holiday let
• The landlord is a local council

If this has raised any questions or you would like to discuss a case involving property with our experienced property barristers, please contact us today.