Housing Act 1988

The Housing Act 1988 is a crucial piece of legislation that significantly reformed residential tenancy law and has remained good law for approaching 40 years. The Act introduced the concept of an ‘assured shorthold tenancy’ (or ‘AST’), a common form of rental agreement that provides security of tenure for tenants while also simplifying the process for landlords to regain possession in specific circumstances. 

The Act distinguishes between ‘assured tenancies’ and ‘assured shorthold tenancies,’ the latter allowing landlords more ease in ending tenancies after a fixed term. It also set procedures for rent increases, tenant rights, and grounds for eviction, aiming to balance the rights of both tenants and landlords in the private rental sector.