UK renting glossary

The standard form of private tenancy in England since 1997. Most private rentals are ASTs. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2024 new private tenancies are periodic by default, with fixed-term ASTs being phased out for new lets.

A tenancy that runs from one rental period to the next (usually month to month) without a fixed end date. Either statutory (created automatically when a fixed term ends) or contractual (a rolling tenancy from the start).

Rent increases on a periodic tenancy →

A tenancy granted for a specific period (typically 6 or 12 months) with a defined end date. During the fixed term, the rent generally cannot be raised under Section 13 — only by mutual agreement or a contractual review clause.

The statutory route for raising rent on most assured and assured shorthold tenancies in England, under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. Must use the prescribed gov.uk form, give at least 2 months' notice, and can only be used once in any 12-month period.

Section 13 notice explained →

Formerly the 'no-fault eviction' route, allowing landlords to end an assured shorthold tenancy after the fixed term without giving a reason. Abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2024. Landlords must now rely on specific Section 8 grounds.

A notice seeking possession on specific statutory grounds set out in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 — e.g. rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, breach of tenancy terms. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2024 these are the only available possession routes for most assured tenancies.

The independent tribunal that decides referred Section 13 rent disputes in England. Free to apply. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2024 the tribunal can only confirm or lower the proposed rent — it cannot set a higher rent than the landlord proposed.

How to apply →

The rent a willing tenant and willing landlord would agree on the open market for a similar property in the same area, on the same terms. The standard the First-tier Tribunal uses when assessing a Section 13 referral.

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Major reform of private renting in England, commenced 2025-2026. Key changes: Section 21 'no-fault' eviction abolished, Section 13 notice extended to 2 months, tribunal can no longer set a rent higher than the landlord proposed, new rent not backdated, all new tenancies periodic by default.

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The legal requirement that any deposit on an assured shorthold tenancy in England or Wales is held in a government-approved scheme. The landlord has 30 days to protect the deposit and to provide prescribed information.

Deposit protection explained →

One of the three government-approved deposit protection schemes in England and Wales. Offers both custodial (the scheme holds the cash) and insured (the landlord holds it, scheme guarantees) options. Free dispute resolution.

One of the three government-approved deposit protection schemes. Operates both custodial and insured options. Commonly used by smaller landlords and some agents.

One of the three government-approved deposit protection schemes. Operates both custodial and insured options. Widely used by letting agents.

The set of details about deposit protection that your landlord must give you in writing within 30 days of receiving your deposit. Includes the scheme name, contact details, deposit amount, dispute process and the scheme's information leaflet. Incomplete prescribed information is treated like no protection at all.

The free, independent decision service offered by the three deposit protection schemes when tenant and landlord disagree on deductions. Paper-based, binding, typically decided within 4-6 weeks of both sides submitting evidence.

How the ADR process works →

A payment to reserve a rental property while paperwork is completed. Capped at one week's rent under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Generally refundable unless the tenant withdraws or fails referencing on their side.

Holding vs tenancy deposit →

Legislation banning most fees that letting agents and landlords previously charged tenants (admin fees, referencing fees, etc.). Also caps the tenancy deposit at 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks for annual rents of £50,000+) and the holding deposit at one week's rent.

The reasonable use of a property by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces. Not chargeable as damage. Adjudicators apply lifespan rules to depreciate items rather than awarding full replacement cost.

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The principle that a landlord cannot end up better off than they started. A deduction that would leave the landlord with a new asset they didn't have before is reduced or refused at adjudication.

The collection of comparable rents, photos, correspondence and methodology a tenant assembles when challenging a rent increase. RentCharter generates one automatically from your check.

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