New AST template and guidance for longer term lets

The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government has released a new model tenancy agreement and guidance specifically to be used for longer term tenancies of two or more years. MHCLG say: “This model tenancy agreement also contains guidance on its use and clauses. It has been designed by the government for use when the landlord and tenant are entering into a shorthold assured tenancy agreement in the private rented sector. “It will be particularly relevant for use when the parties are entering into a longer term tenancy of 2 or more years. It, therefore, contains provisions relating to rent reviews and those which enable the landlord or the tenant to end the tenancy during the fixed term if their circumstances change. “The model tenancy agreement is made available free of charge and can either be completed online or downloaded and completed manually. If the agreement is completed online, it will need to be printed off for wet signature. “It is intended to be used in its entirety without any deletions or other amendments. It allows for particular boxes to be ticked and text to be inserted in certain sections. “Two copies of the agreement should be made – one for the landlord, the other for the tenant. It is the responsibility of either party to keep the agreement in a safe place as it will need to be referred to during the tenancy. “The use of the model is entirely voluntary. There is no legal requirement to use it – although landlords and tenants will be able to do so with confidence.”