What is a Tenancy Agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting, which states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will most probably be an Assured Shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1988. However, for company lets and/or rental values over £25,000 a year, the agreement will be drawn up under contract law. It is important to remember that you are entering a legal contract and each tenant entering the contract is jointly and severally liable for it’s terms and conditions. If you are in any doubt about the agreement you are entering into, you should seek independent legal advice.

What are my responsibilities?

These are clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. If in doubt, we will be more than happy to clarify any points that may not be clear. Your rent will be due monthly and will be paid by standing order.

What must I do at the end of a tenancy?

You will first of all need to serve one months notice in writing (a landlord would need to serve you with at least 2 months notice). You then need to ensure you fulfil your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. This may include cleaning and/or repair of any malicious damage (fair wear and tear is expected). If you have moved furniture, please return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.

How do I get my deposit back?

After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit will be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against the last rent payment due.

Click HERE to see an example of a tenancy agreement.