What is the typical duration of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?

The typical duration of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) usually falls within the range of 6 to 12 months. This duration is a common practice as it provides both landlords and tenants a clear timeframe for the tenancy agreement, allowing for a period of stability and predictability.

The agreement can, of course, be tailored to be shorter or longer, depending on the specific terms negotiated between the landlord and the tenant. This flexibility caters to various situations; for instance, a tenant might prefer a shorter lease if they are unsure of their long-term plans, while a landlord may opt for a longer lease to secure consistent rental income.

While there are other potential durations for tenancies, such as three years or indefinite terms, these are less common under the AST framework, which primarily focuses on shorter, fixed-term agreements. Thus, the selection accurately reflects standard practice in the context of ASTs.