New guidelines that aim to make tenancy agreements clearer and fairer were today welcomed by members of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).

But the group, which represents landlords with more than £1.2billion worth of property and more than 30,000 tenancies across the UK, said the move by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) still didn't go far enough.

The OFT said the clamp down was designed to benefit more than two million people currently living in private rented accommodation.

But the RLA argued that its members already use the association's own tenancy agreement, which carries the Crystal Mark from the Plain English Campaign. The agreement was introduced 12 months ago to help protect tenants from signing complicated agreements they don't understand.

RLA chairman Martin Moylan explained: "These guidelines are a welcome move but don't go far enough. One in five landlords in the private rented sector don't use tenancy agreements in the first place."

One of the main problems highlighted by the OFT was the lack of clarity and use of arcane languages in some agreements. But the RLA agreement, which is available to all RLA members, sets out details in clear terms and language.

Martin Moylan added: "As the country's leading organisation for landlords in the private rented sector we have become increasingly concerned that some tenants were signing legally binding agreements without understanding or even reading exactly what they were agreeing to.

"This becomes a major problem if disputes arise. Our new document should stop any further misunderstandings and encourage open and better relationships between our members and their tenants. The new document is both easy to read and understand."

The RLA, which has branches throughout the UK and holds regular meetings within 30 minutes drive of all members, offers the agreement as part of a benefits package which includes training programmes, an advice hot-line and a magazine, as well as deals on legal services and insurance.

The group also operates a strict code of practice for members so tenants can be assured that RLA members strive to offer the best quality accommodation and service.

Mr Moylan added: "We would recommend all tenants seek legal advice if there is any part of an agreement they do not understand before they sign it or even take it an independent agency such as the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

"The landlord should give the tenant a counterpart agreement to look at and sign and swap it with them for the original document, signed by them, when the tenancy is formally agreed. Both sides should be completely aware of what they are entering into at this point."

The RLA also operates a website for landlords and tenants to use free of charge at homes2rent.net, as well their own site at rla.org.co.uk to provide specialist information.

ENDS November 2001