When the standard assured shorthold framework doesn't fit. Common law tenancies, company lets, holiday lets, and the Welsh occupation contract.
Common Law Tenancy
Used where the assured shorthold framework does not apply — typically high-rent properties (above £100,000 per year), tenancies where the property is not the tenant's main home, or arrangements with significant non-residential elements.
Company Let
For letting residential property to a corporate tenant rather than an individual. The Housing Act 1988 framework only applies to individual tenants, so company lets sit outside the assured tenancy regime entirely.
Holiday Let
For short-stay rentals of a furnished holiday home. See the holiday letting agreement page for full details on FHL qualification, planning rules, and the regulatory differences from residential lets.
Welsh Occupation Contract
Wales abolished assured shorthold tenancies in December 2022 — before England. Welsh residential lets use occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. See the Welsh occupation contract page for the framework.
Choosing the right document
Most residential lets in England use a standard assured shorthold tenancy. The specialist documents above are for situations where the AST framework genuinely does not fit. If you're unsure, default to AST — it is the right choice for the overwhelming majority of private residential landlords.