Legal help, services and support for private residential landlords
Protected tenancies are tenancies which started before 15 January 1989 when the Rent Act 1977 was the governing legislation for tenancies.
Under these tenancies, tenants had very strong rights:
The strong rights for tenants under the Rent Act is one reason why there were very few rented properties in the 1970’s and 1980’s – before assured shorthold tenancies came along and the right to recover possession under section 21 persuaded people to start investing in property to rent again.
Because they are still around! Despite the fact that none have been created since January 1989 there are a lot of protected tenancies still in existence. Secure tenants normally know when they are well off and will not willingly give their tenancies up!
Property investors need to be particularly wary.
If you are offered a property which seems to be at a very low price – this is usually because there is a protected tenant living there who cannot be evicted – meaning the property cannot be redeveloped.
If you are offered a property which seems to be at a very low price - this is usually because there is a protected tenant living there who cannot be evicted - meaning the property cannot be redeveloped.
Very few lawyers! Most people are only aware of assured and assured shorthold tenancies and so can make mistakes when dealing with the older protected tenancies.
Landlord Law members will find a long detailed article on the site and several FAQ which will give guidance on how they operate. Plus Tessa can answer questions on the members forum.
If you need someone to advise you in more detail or act for you, Anthony Gold, the solicitors who run our telephone advice service, have a lot of experience with protected tenancies and would be an excellent choice.
Landlord Law members will find our article here. Members or non-members looking for telephone advice will find our service here.
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