Maximum length of Assured Shorthold Tenancy?

[stinkyfluffycat]

We are renewing our lease and have agreed with the landlord that we can stay for another 4 years, but the letting agents are saying that the maximum length of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy is 3 years.
Does anyone know if this is true? It's no big deal as the landlord is clearly happy for us to stay for 4 years if he's offering this, I'm just wondering if the letting agents are fibbing as they fleece us for £60 quid every time they re - print the tenancy agreement...

There is no maximum length but it has to be drawn up differently if it's more than 3 years, which is why the agents are unwilling to do it. TBH shorthold tenancies are designed for short periods, normally 6-12 months. Why do you want a longer period? Just go onto a statutory periodic tenancy then no one has to sign anything and you don't habe to pay the agent.