Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

This Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement is made in accordance with the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Housing Act 1996).

Between:

[LANDLORD NAME], of [LANDLORD ADDRESS] (the "Landlord")

and

[TENANT NAME(S)] (the "Tenant")

1. Property

The Landlord agrees to let, and the Tenant agrees to take, the property known as: [PROPERTY ADDRESS] (the "Property"), together with its fixtures, fittings, and contents as listed in any inventory provided.

2. Term

2.1 This tenancy shall be an assured shorthold tenancy commencing on [START DATE] for an initial fixed term of 12 months (the "Fixed Term").

2.2 After the expiry of the Fixed Term, the tenancy will continue as a statutory periodic tenancy on a month-to-month basis, subject to the same terms and conditions, until terminated by either party in accordance with this Agreement or by operation of law.

3. Rent

3.1 The Tenant shall pay rent of [MONTHLY RENT] per calendar month, payable in advance on or before the first day of each month.

3.2 The first payment of rent shall be made on or before the commencement date of the tenancy.

3.3 Rent shall be paid by standing order or bank transfer to the Landlord's nominated bank account.

3.4 If the rent is more than 14 days in arrears, the Landlord reserves the right to charge interest at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

4. Deposit and Deposit Protection

4.1 The Tenant shall pay a deposit of [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] (the "Deposit") to the Landlord prior to the commencement of the tenancy.

4.2 The Landlord shall protect the Deposit in the DPS (Deposit Protection Service) government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it, as required by the Housing Act 2004 (as amended).

4.3 The Landlord shall provide the Tenant with the following prescribed information within 30 days of receiving the Deposit:

(a) the name and contact details of the deposit protection scheme used;

(b) the Landlord's (or agent's) name and contact details;

(c) the address of the rented property;

(d) the amount of the Deposit paid;

(e) how the Deposit is protected (whether insured or custodial);

(f) the purpose of the Deposit;

(g) information on how to apply for the release of the Deposit at the end of the tenancy;

(h) information about what to do if there is a dispute about the Deposit, including the scheme's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service.

4.4 Failure by the Landlord to protect the Deposit or provide the prescribed information within 30 days may result in the Landlord being unable to serve a Section 21 notice and may entitle the Tenant to compensation of between one and three times the Deposit amount, as ordered by the court.

4.5 The Deposit shall be returned to the Tenant at the end of the tenancy, less any deductions for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, missing items, or cleaning costs as permitted by law.

4.6 In the event of a dispute regarding deductions from the Deposit, either party may refer the matter to the free alternative dispute resolution service provided by the deposit protection scheme.

5. Landlord's Obligations

The Landlord agrees to:

(a) allow the Tenant quiet enjoyment of the Property without interference;

(b) keep the structure and exterior of the Property in good repair;

(c) keep in repair and proper working order the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and for space heating and heating water;

(d) ensure the Property meets the required safety standards, including gas safety, electrical safety, and the provision of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;

(e) provide the Tenant with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);

(f) comply with all applicable landlord licensing requirements;

(g) carry out repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice from the Tenant.

6. Tenant's Obligations

The Tenant agrees to:

(a) pay the rent on time and in the manner specified;

(b) keep the interior of the Property in a clean, tidy, and habitable condition;

(c) not cause or permit any damage to the Property beyond fair wear and tear;

(d) not make any alterations or additions to the Property without the prior written consent of the Landlord;

(e) not sub-let or assign the tenancy or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord;

(f) not use the Property for any illegal or immoral purpose;

(g) not cause or permit any nuisance or annoyance to neighbours;

(h) report any disrepair or defects to the Landlord promptly;

(i) allow the Landlord or their agent access to the Property for inspections and repairs, upon giving not less than 24 hours' written notice (except in emergencies);

(j) return the Property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition as at the start, subject to fair wear and tear.

7. Utilities and Council Tax

7.1 The Tenant shall be responsible for paying all utility charges (gas, electricity, water, telephone, internet, and television licence) relating to the Property during the tenancy.

7.2 The Tenant shall be responsible for paying the Council Tax for the Property during the tenancy.

8. Ending the Tenancy

8.1 During the Fixed Term, neither party may end the tenancy early except by mutual agreement in writing, or as permitted by the break clause (if applicable).

8.2 After the Fixed Term, the Tenant may end the tenancy by giving not less than one month's written notice, expiring at the end of a period of the tenancy.

8.3 The Landlord may recover possession of the Property in accordance with the procedures set out in the Housing Act 1988 (as amended), including by serving a Section 21 notice or a Section 8 notice, as appropriate.

9. Inventory

An inventory of the fixtures, fittings, and contents of the Property shall be prepared and agreed between the Landlord and the Tenant at the commencement of the tenancy. This inventory will be used as a basis for assessing any deductions from the Deposit at the end of the tenancy.

10. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

11. Notices

Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently served if delivered personally, sent by first-class post, or sent by email to the addresses specified in this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement.