It can be confusing when the terms “tenant” and “renter” are used interchangeably, so is there a difference between them ?
Well, yes.
Tenant:
Is someone who rents a property with a written agreement, typically for what is called an Assured Shorthold tenancy or AST.
Renter:
Is a relatively new term describing someone who rents a property but on a broader range of terms e.g. a licence rather than a tenancy such as a lodger or property guardian, or under a holiday let arrangement and often these can come with no written agreement at all.
The reason that landlords prefer licence or holiday let agreements is that they provide little or no protection should something go wrong, so if you are offerd one of these ask whether you can have a tenancy instead and if the answer is “no” – then it’s best to walk away.
