A tenancy is a contract where possession of a property is transferred to the tenant for a fixed term by the owner also known as the landlord in return for a periodical payment of a sum of money called the rental. A tenancy which is less than 7 years can be created by a written contract. However, if the tenancy is more than 7 years, it has to be in the form of a deed. Short-term leases (i.e. for terms not exceeding 3 years) are frequently referred to as tenancy. Stamp duty is a tax on document. The first schedule to the Stamp Duties Act states that stamp duty is payable on tenancy agreement. It is an offence under the Stamp Duties Act if you do not pay the stamp duty on your tenancy agreement. Also if stamp duty is not paid on the tenancy agreement, the tenancy agreement will not be admissible as evidence in court.