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Property & Tenancy

Licence to Occupy Template

A licence to occupy grants permission to use space without giving the occupier exclusive possession or tenancy rights. It suits short-term or shared arrangements.

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What this licence to occupy covers

When you need a licence to occupy

The legal framework

Understanding the law behind a licence to occupy helps you use it well. Here is the key UK legislation that applies:

Housing Act 1988
Governs assured and assured shorthold tenancies in England, including the Section 8 possession grounds in Schedule 2.
Renters' Rights Act 2025
Reshaped private renting from 1 May 2026 — abolished Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, converted tenancies to rolling periodic tenancies, and revised the possession grounds.
Tenant Fees Act 2019
Restricts the fees and deposits landlords and agents can charge tenants.

Frequently asked questions

How is a licence different from a lease?

A licence grants permission to occupy without exclusive possession. If the occupier has exclusive possession for a term at a rent, a court may treat it as a tenancy regardless of the label.

Can a licence be ended easily?

Generally yes, on the notice set out in the agreement, which makes licences more flexible than tenancies.

How Legal Lift helps

Answer a few plain-English questions and our AI generator produces a tailored licence to occupy, ready to edit, download as PDF or Word, and e-sign with LegalSign. Every template is kept current with UK law, and our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are available if you'd like it reviewed.

This page explains the law in general terms to help you understand your licence to occupy. It is information, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific circumstances, our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are here to help.

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