Why it matters
What Company Let means for a landlord
Company lets give landlords more contractual freedom because the statutory tenant protections and Section 8 grounds do not apply, and possession is a matter of the agreement and common law. That flexibility comes with different risks: you are relying on the company’s covenant and any guarantee, and you should verify the company is genuine and creditworthy. Because the regime is different, the tenancy agreement itself, not statute, does the heavy lifting, so it must be drafted with care.
Worked example
How it plays out
A consultancy rents a flat in Reading to house staff on projects. The tenant is the company, so the tenancy is not an assured tenancy and the Renters’ Rights Act does not apply to it. The landlord and company agree a 12-month term with notice terms, and the landlord checks the company’s accounts and asks a director to give a guarantee.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Using a company let where an individual is really the tenant.
- 02Not checking the company’s finances.
- 03Using an assured tenancy template for a company.
What to do
A short checklist
- Check the company is genuine and can pay.
- Use an agreement written for a company let.
- Ask for a guarantee where the company is small.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
