Generally, if you occupy a private rented property, you will either have a tenancy or a licence. A tenancy gives you a legal right to reside in a property and a licence only gives you permission. You will normally have a tenancy if;

• You enjoy exclusive possession of a property
• You pay rent
• You pay rent periodically, for example, weekly or monthly.

There are some exceptions to this rule namely;

• Agreements where there was no intention to enter into legal relations such as family arrangements
• Lettings where the landlord provides substantial services, for example, cleaning of your room on a daily basis
• Lettings on movable structures
• Company and holiday lettings
• Lodging arrangements
• Lettings that are tied to a job

If you live in a situation as outlined above, you are likely to have a licence to occupy a property as opposed to a tenancy.