The Term

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy is for an initial fixed term.

During this initial term the tenant has security unless the seriously seriously breaches of the tenancy agreement (such as rent arrears).

However the landlord has a right to expect the full rent for the full period of the term. If the tenant wishes to end the tenancy within the term then the landlord has a duty to mitigate their losses by finding a new tenan, and the tenant is responsible for rent until a replacement is found, and for any of the landlords costs involved in finding the replacement tenant.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreements are most commonly issued with a term of 6 momths although they can be for any length of time. Many buy-to-let mortgages have restrictions on the length of the term. If the term is for less than 6 months the tenant still retains the right to stay for at least 6 months unless they seriously breach the tenancy agreement. For terms exceeding 3 years, the tenancy must be executed as a deed, which requires a solicitor.