An Assured Short-Term Tenancy (AST) agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions between a landlord and a tenant for a short-term rental property. It’s crucial to have a well-crafted AST template to protect the interests of both parties. Here’s a guide on how to create a professional AST template using a WordPress format:
1. Define the Core Elements of Your AST Template
Landlord and Tenant Information
Landlord’s Name and Address: Clearly state the full legal name and address of the landlord.
Tenant’s Name and Address: Specify the full legal name and address of the tenant(s).
Property Address
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Property Description: Provide a detailed description of the property, including its address, size, and any specific features.
Term of Tenancy
Start Date: Clearly state the date the tenancy commences.
End Date: Specify the date the tenancy ends.
Notice Period: Indicate the required notice period for either party to terminate the tenancy.
Rent and Payment Terms
Rent Amount: Specify the monthly rent amount.
Payment Schedule: Outline the payment schedule, including due dates and payment methods.
Deposit: Indicate the deposit amount and how it will be protected.
Rent Increases: Specify any potential rent increases and how they will be implemented.
Tenant Obligations
Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template in Word, PDF, Google
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Payment of Rent: Clearly state the tenant’s obligation to pay rent on time.
Property Care: Outline the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the property and report any damages.
Quiet Enjoyment: Specify the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property.
Utilities: Indicate who is responsible for paying utility bills.
Pets: Outline any pet policies, including restrictions and additional fees.
Subletting: Specify any restrictions on subletting the property.
Landlord Obligations
Provision of Services: Outline any services the landlord is obligated to provide, such as maintenance or repairs.
Access to the Property: Specify the landlord’s right to access the property for inspections or repairs.
Deposit Protection: Indicate how the deposit will be protected, such as through a government-approved scheme.
Breach of Contract
Remedies for Breach: Outline the remedies available to either party in case of a breach of contract, such as termination or legal action.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution Procedure: Specify the procedure for resolving disputes, such as mediation or arbitration.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Governing Law: Indicate the law that governs the tenancy agreement.
Jurisdiction: Specify the jurisdiction for resolving any disputes.
2. Design Considerations for a Professional AST Template
Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to avoid confusion.
Professional Formatting: Use a professional font and layout to create a polished document.
Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including font size, line spacing, and margins.
Headings and Subheadings: Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the content.
White Space: Use white space to improve readability and make the document visually appealing.
Legal Disclaimer: Include a disclaimer stating that the template is not legal advice and that professional legal advice should be sought.
3. Using WordPress to Create Your AST Template
Choose a Suitable Theme: Select a clean and professional WordPress theme that is easy to customize.
Create a New Page: Create a new page for your AST template.
Add Content: Add the content of your AST template to the page, using headings and paragraphs to structure the information.
Customize the Design: Use WordPress’s built-in customization options to adjust the font, color scheme, and layout of your template.
Add a Download Button: Add a download button to allow users to download the template as a PDF or Word document.
By following these guidelines, you can create a professional and legally sound AST template that protects the interests of both landlords and tenants.
