Temporary Rental Agreements: Legality and Your Rights in England

Temporary rentals—also called 'short-term tenancies' or 'fixed-term tenancies'—are common in England. Whether you're seeking a place for a few months or have been offered a room for a unique timeframe, it's important to understand what makes a temporary rental legal, what your rights are, and how you can protect yourself as a tenant.

What Is a Temporary Rental in England?

In England, a temporary rental typically refers to a tenancy agreement set for a period shorter than the usual 6 or 12 months. These can be:

• Short fixed-term tenancies: Often 6 months, but can be less (such as 3 months).
• Rolling or periodic tenancies: After a fixed-term ends, your tenancy may continue month-to-month or week-to-week.
• Holiday lets or serviced accommodation: Usually excluded from standard tenancy laws, mainly for holidays, not as a main home.

Your rights and legal protections depend on the type of agreement and the property use. Most renters in England are covered by an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).

Are Temporary Rentals Legal?

Yes—temporary rentals are legal in England, but certain rules must apply to protect both renter and landlord. The main types include:

• Assured shorthold tenancies (AST): Legally valid for fixed terms as short as 6 months, occasionally less, if both parties agree.
• Excluded licences: (e.g., renting a room in a live-in landlord's house): Fewer rights, may be very short term, but still require fair notice to leave.
• Holiday lets: Not intended for use as a primary home; lacks most tenancy protections.

The key legislation covering most private tenancies—including temporary ones—is the Housing Act 1988^[1].

Key Legal Safeguards

• Written agreements are recommended, regardless of term length.
• Deposits for ASTs must be protected in a government-backed scheme (Tenancy Deposit Protection).
• Landlords must follow the lawful process to end any tenancy, short or long.

Relevant Official Forms for Temporary Rentals

• Section 21 Notice (Form 6A):
  Used by landlords to end an AST after the fixed term or during a periodic tenancy. As a renter, if you're on a temporary (short fixed-term) AST, your landlord must use this form to ask you to leave at the end of your agreed period (with at least two months' notice).
  Download Form 6A: Section 21 Notice
• Section 8 Notice (also Form 3):
  Used for ending a tenancy due to specific reasons, such as unpaid rent or breaches of agreement, even during a fixed-term/temporary tenancy.
  Download Form 3: Section 8 Notice

If you believe your landlord has not followed the correct process, you can apply to the courts, but first try to resolve directly and, if necessary, seek advice.

Your Rights as a Renter in a Temporary Agreement

You have legal rights even on a short-term or temporary basis:

• Right to proper notice for eviction (usually two months for ASTs via Section 21).
• Protection against illegal eviction and harassment (learn more about illegal eviction).
• Repairs and safe living standards are required, regardless of tenancy length.

To check your tenancy status or if you believe your rental is being wrongly classified (such as listing a main home as a holiday let to avoid protections), review tenancy definitions from the UK government or seek specialist advice.

What If There Are Problems? How to Take Action

If you have concerns about your temporary tenancy such as unfair eviction or withheld deposit, you can:

• Contact your local council’s housing advice service for help.
• Challenge illegal eviction via the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property), which handles residential tenancy disputes in England.

The law remains on your side—even in the shortest rentals—but knowing the right steps is vital to protecting your home and rights.

FAQs on Temporary Rentals in England

1. Are landlords allowed to offer tenancy agreements for less than six months?
   Yes, in certain situations landlords can offer tenancy agreements for less than six months, but your rights—like proper notice and deposit protection—still apply. Most fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) are at least six months, but shorter periods are allowed if agreed upon by both parties. Be sure to get everything in writing.
2. What official forms should renters check for when offered a temporary agreement?
   For ASTs, make sure you receive a proper written tenancy agreement and that the landlord uses the right notice forms—Form 6A (Section 21) for standard ending, or Form 3 (Section 8) if there are issues like rent arrears.
3. Does deposit protection apply to short-term or temporary tenancies?
   Yes, if your agreement is an AST, your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme, even if the rental is for just a few months.
4. What tenancy protections do I lose with a holiday let or licence?
   Holiday lets and excluded licences (like lodger arrangements) don’t offer standard tenancy protections—such as deposit protection, minimum notice, or repair rights. If you live there as your only or main home, you may still have more rights than stated; seek advice if unsure.
5. How can I challenge an unfair eviction from a temporary rental?
   If you’re served an eviction notice you believe is incorrect or unfair, check that the proper form and notice period were used, then contact your local council or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Temporary (short-term) rentals are legal in England, but most are protected under the Housing Act 1988 if you live there as your main home.
• Ensure all agreements are in writing, your deposit is protected, and the correct notice procedures are followed.
• Use official forms and seek support if issues arise—specialist housing services and tribunals can help you protect your rights.

Understanding your position in a temporary rental helps you avoid issues and focus on enjoying your home, however brief your stay.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Government guide on tenancy agreements
• Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property) – handles tenancy disputes in England
• Find your local council housing advice service

---

1. Housing Act 1988 (England and Wales)
2. Assured Tenancy Forms – GOV.UK
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation