What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?

As of 1 May 2026, Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are no longer used for new lettings, and every existing AST automatically converted to an Assured Periodic Tenancy on that date. This page reflects the current, post-reform position.

An AST was, until 1 May 2026, the standard type of tenancy agreement for most private rentals in England and Wales. It typically started with a fixed term (often 6 or 12 months), then rolled onto a month-to-month basis if nobody signed a new agreement.

What changed: the Renters' Rights Act 2025 replaced ASTs entirely with Assured Periodic Tenancies - tenancies with no fixed term at all, from day one. If you signed an AST before 1 May 2026, it's now an Assured Periodic Tenancy, even though your original paperwork may still say "AST."

Why you might still see the term: a lot of existing guidance, older tenancy agreements, and general information online still refers to ASTs, and it's useful to recognise the term even though it no longer applies to new tenancies.