Understanding Company Let Agreements for Renters in England

If you’re renting a property in England, you might hear the term “company let agreement.” This can be confusing, especially if you’re unsure how it differs from a regular tenancy. In this guide, we’ll explain what a company let agreement is, how it affects renters, and what you need to know if you’re living in a property under this arrangement.

What Is a Company Let Agreement?

A company let agreement is a type of rental contract where the tenant is a company or organisation, not an individual person. This usually happens when an employer rents a property from a landlord to provide accommodation for an employee. Legally, the company becomes the tenant, and the employee living in the property is the occupant.

How Is This Different from Regular Tenancies?

Most private renters in England have either:

• An assured shorthold tenancy (AST), or
• A different type of residential tenancy governed by laws like the Housing Act 1988

However, with a company let agreement:

• The renter (tenant) is a business, not a person
• The agreement is known as a “common law tenancy,” not an AST
• This means fewer statutory protections for the occupier

Legal Rights and Protection for Occupiers

One of the most important things to know is that company let agreements are not covered by the Housing Act 1988 or the Rent Act 1977¹. This means:

• No protection from eviction without a court order under those Acts
• No deposit protection requirements under the Housing Act 2004, Part 6, Chapter 4
• No legal limits on rent increases
• No standard government notice forms for termination (such as Section 21 or Section 8)

This doesn’t mean you have no rights—your rights and obligations will be based on the actual wording of your tenancy agreement (contract law) and some general property laws. You can still take some matters to court if needed.

Ending a Company Let Agreement and Eviction

Unlike an AST, the landlord can end a company let agreement in line with the contract terms. Usually, this requires a written “notice to quit”—often 28 days, but check your agreement.

For the person actually living in the property:

• You may have less notice before you need to leave than under an AST
• Landlords do not have to use official forms like the Section 21 notice (Form 6A)
• If you do not leave when required, only a court order for possession allows lawful eviction

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice to Quit (no formal number): This is a general notice landlords use to end non-AST (including company let) tenancies. There is no official government template, but landlords must give sufficient notice as agreed in the contract. For example, if your agreement says the landlord must give 28 days' notice, this must be in writing and clarify the leave date. See guidance on eviction notices and termination dates.
• Claim Form for Possession of Property (N5): Used by landlords to ask the court to evict occupiers if they don't leave after notice to quit. See the official N5 form and eviction in the County Court guidance. For example, if you don't leave after your company’s lease ends and the landlord wants possession, this form is filed with the County Court.

Disputes and possession issues involving company lets are handled by the County Courts in England.

Dealing with Maintenance and Disrepair

If you’re an occupier under a company let, your landlord’s legal obligations around repairs can differ. Often, the company (your employer) is responsible for reporting issues and working with the landlord. Check your contract or speak to your company’s HR or facilities team first. Your right to request repairs isn’t automatic—make sure your concerns are passed on by your employer.

Summary: Company Let Agreements in Practice

In summary, a company let agreement means your tenancy and the mainly-occupier’s rights are decided by contract with far less statutory protection. It’s important to understand what this means for your day-to-day living and if you need to take action about notice, eviction, or repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I challenge a rent increase in a company let agreement?
   Unlike standard tenancies, there is no statutory process for challenging rent increases. Any restrictions or procedures should be set out in the tenancy contract. If you're affected, review the contract terms and discuss with your employer or the company that holds the agreement.
2. Do deposit protection rules apply?
   No, tenancy deposit protection schemes required by the Housing Act 2004 do not apply to company let agreements. However, your company may have its own policies on deposit management and repayment.
3. What notice do I get if I need to move out?
   The notice period is set by the terms in the company let tenancy agreement, not by statutory minimums. Check your agreement for details, but 28 days' written notice is common.
4. Can I get help from a tribunal for a dispute?
   The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) deals mainly with standard private tenancies. For a company let, legal disputes and possession claims are typically handled by the County Court.
5. What if my landlord tries to evict me without a court order?
   Even in a company let, a landlord cannot forcibly remove occupiers without a court possession order. If facing threats or unlawful eviction, contact your local council for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Private renting and your rights (GOV.UK)
• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) – advice if your company/employer is involved
• County Court (England & Wales) – for possession and eviction disputes
• Shelter England: Housing advice for renters
• Find your local council for environmental health and housing advice

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1. Housing Act 1988: Section 1 – excludes company lets from being assured or assured shorthold tenancies
2. Housing Act 2004 – Deposit Protection requirements
3. Official N5 Possession Claim Form (GOV.UK)
4. Eviction Notices and Termination Dates (GOV.UK)

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