'Registering' Assured Shorthold Tenancy

[Keanu]

Hello all,

with my previous (and first) tenant I did not 'register' the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) as it was a family friend - probably not wise but I didn't get stung!

Anyway, my second tenant has just signed up their 6 month AST. I am kind of aware that I should formally register the AST in case I ever need to go to court (not that I am planning to) over the tenancy. My recollection was it was literally just a matter of registering the AST - nominal payment but it is the on record for the courts to recognise if the need ever arises.

Can someone please confirm my recollection of the procedure is correct and who I register the AST with/postal/web details?

Regards

[MrShed]

I have never heard of this before....as far as I know there is no need to register an AST in any way. Certainly if you do a hell of a lot of people arent!

[Editor]

I presume you are talking here about Stamp Duty. It is no longer necessary to pay stamp duty unless your rental income for the tenancy exceeds £5,000. Most 6 month ASTs would not.
See previous post in this - http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/printthread.php?t=111
More information here in case you do need to pay duty:
http://www.legalhelpers.co.uk/landlord/stampduty.asp

[P.Pilcher]

This is a new one on me as well, in fact I don't think that it exists. I have certainly taken successful court action on a non-registered AST as all mine are.

P.P.