Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, it makes good sense to have a solid tenancy agreement in place. Not only will this highlight your rights and responsibilities but it will also help maintain a positive relationship between you and your landlord or tenant.
Tenancy Agreements and Deposits
In short
A tenancy agreement is the contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms of a rental — rent, deposit, responsibilities, and what happens at the end of the tenancy. We advise both landlords and tenants on drafting, reviewing and disputing tenancy agreements and deposits. Call 08082747557 for a free initial assessment.
Types of tenancy
- Assured shorthold tenancy — the most common type of residential tenancy in England and Wales, giving the landlord a guaranteed right to regain possession after the fixed term, subject to the correct legal process
- Fixed term tenancy — running for a set period agreed in advance, after which it may convert to a periodic tenancy or come to an end
- Joint tenancy — where two or more tenants share equal responsibility for the whole tenancy, including the rent, rather than each being responsible only for their own share
Deposits
Landlords can ask for a deposit as security against damage or unpaid rent, but it must be protected in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme, and returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy provided the terms of the agreement have been met. Disputes over deposit deductions are common, and both landlords and tenants have formal routes to resolve them through the relevant deposit scheme, without necessarily needing to go to court.
Need a tenancy agreement drafted, reviewed, or a deposit dispute resolved? Call 08082747557 today.
How we help landlords and tenants
For landlords, we can draft or review a tenancy agreement to make sure it protects your position and complies with current legislation. For tenants, we can check an agreement before you sign, or advise if a dispute arises during or at the end of your tenancy. If a landlord is seeking to end a tenancy, see our guidance on possession and repossession proceedings, and if you believe you’ve been forced out without the correct process being followed, see unlawful eviction.
Related Services
- Respond to a possession or repossession claim Possession and Repossession Proceedings
- Get help if you’ve been unlawfully evicted Unlawful Eviction
- Buy a property to let or invest in Investment and Buy to Let Properties
- Get general advice on a housing dispute Housing Disputes