A new scheme to protect tenants from signing complicated agreements they don't fully understand was today launched by the Residential Landlords Association.

The group, which represents landlords with £1.2billion worth of property and more than 30,000 tenancies across the UK, is concerned that people often sign badly drafted and complicated agreements when they do not fully understand the complicated legal terms involved.

The association is also becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of a low level of literacy in the UK, which invariably leads some tenants to sign agreements without even reading them.

The RLA has now taken the initiative by unveiling its own new tenancy agreement, which has already been awarded the prestigious Crystal Mark from the Plain English Campaign.

The document, which is available to all RLA members, sets out the details in clear terms and language, making it crystal clear and easy for tenants to see exactly what they are agreeing to and what they and the landlord are individually responsible for.

Chairman Martin Moylan said: "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 January 2000