If you are a landlord in the UK, it is important to have a tenancy agreement in place to protect yourself and your property. An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is the most common form of tenancy agreement used in the private rental sector in the UK. An AST agreement provides legal security to both the landlord and the tenant, outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party.

To make things easier for landlords, there are assured shorthold tenancy templates available that can be used to create a tenancy agreement. These templates are easy to use and can help landlords to ensure they have a legally binding tenancy agreement in place.

Here are 10 things to consider when using a tenancy agreement assured shorthold tenancy template:

1. Tenancy period: The AST agreement should clearly state the length of the tenancy, including the start and end date.

2. Rent amount: The rent amount should be clearly stated in the AST agreement along with the payment frequency and due date.

3. Deposit amount: The AST agreement should specify the amount of the deposit required, how it will be protected, and the conditions under which it can be withheld.

4. Tenant obligations: The AST agreement should outline the obligations of the tenant, such as keeping the property clean and tidy, reporting any damage, etc.

5. Landlord obligations: The AST agreement should also detail the landlord`s obligations, such as ensuring the property is in good repair, providing an energy performance certificate, etc.

6. Rent increases: The AST agreement should outline any provisions for rent increases during the tenancy period.

7. Termination of tenancy: The AST agreement should detail the process for terminating the tenancy, including notice periods and any penalties for early termination.

8. Property access: The AST agreement should outline the circumstances under which the landlord or their agent can access the property during the tenancy.

9. Pets: The AST agreement should specify whether pets are allowed on the property and any restrictions on pet ownership.

10. Dispute resolution: The AST agreement should outline the process for resolving any disputes that may arise during the tenancy.

By using a tenancy agreement assured shorthold tenancy template, landlords can ensure they have a legally binding agreement in place that meets their needs and those of their tenants. It is important to review the template thoroughly and make any necessary modifications to ensure it accurately reflects your specific circumstances.