What is a tenancy agreement?
A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between a tenant and their landlord, which sets out the terms of the tenancy. It can give certain rights to each party but cannot interfere with any statutory obligations. It may be a written or verbal agreement, however, we recommend that agreements be signed in paper as this helps to avoid arguments, making the agreement easier to enforce. Tenants should be given and should hold on to a copy of any agreement.
Make sure the following minimum information is contained within your agreement before it is signed:
- The landlord’s name
- The tenant’s name
- Address of the property to be let
- Duration / type of the tenancy
- Amount of rent payable
- Date rent is payable
- How the rent is to be paid
- The rent review arrangements
- Who is liable to pay gas, electric, water and council tax bills
- Amount of deposit payable
- How and when deposit is to be paid
Please note that if the tenant leaves the property before the end of the agreement they will be responsible for the remaining rent, unless the contract states otherwise.
For more information regarding tenancy agreements and access to a model assured shorthold tenancy agreement, please visit the Government website
What is an inventory?
An inventory is a list of the condition and contents of a property as well as the general condition of its interior decoration and maintenance. An inventory is often useful in deciding how much of a deposit will be returned to the tenant at the end of their tenancy. Clear, dated photographs of rooms, floor coverings, doors, and windows should be used if possible. Landlords should provide tenants with a copy of any inventory and tenants should be asked to check and agree it at the time of viewing.
What is a property viewing checklist?
A property viewing checklist is a list that we have created to help landlords ensure that they have told tenants everything they need to know and to help tenants to know what to look and ask for when seeking a property to rent. For more information, download a copy of our property viewing checklist (pdf 43kb).