UKI'm an assured shorthold tenant. What are my basic rights?
As an assured shorthold tenant in England and Wales, you have the right to a written statement of terms, protection from eviction without a court order, and deposit protection — all backed by the Housing Act 1988.
What the Law Says
The Housing Act 1988 sets out the core legal framework for assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), which are the most common type of private rental agreement in England and Wales.
As an assured shorthold tenant, you have statutory security of tenure — meaning your landlord cannot evict you without following strict legal procedures and obtaining a court order.
Your tenancy must be for a minimum fixed term of at least six months (unless both parties agree otherwise in writing). After that, it usually becomes a 'statutory periodic tenancy', continuing on the same terms.
If your tenancy started on or after 6 April 2007, your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt and provide you with prescribed information.
Your landlord must give you proper notice before seeking possession — either under Section 21 (no-fault) or Section 8 (for breach or grounds like rent arrears). A Section 21 notice requires at least two months’ notice and cannot be served in the first four months of the tenancy.
Statutory TextAn assured shorthold tenancy is an assured tenancy which satisfies the conditions in subsection (2) or (3).
— Housing Act 1988, s. 19A — Assured shorthold tenancies
What to Do
Check that your deposit was protected within 30 days — ask for proof from a government-approved scheme.
Keep copies of your tenancy agreement, rent receipts, and all correspondence with your landlord.
If you receive a Section 21 notice, verify it meets all legal requirements (e.g., correct notice period, valid form, no retaliatory timing).
Never leave your home without a court order — even if pressured by your landlord.
Seek advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a housing solicitor if you’re unsure about your rights or face eviction.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.