The Perfect Tenancy Agreement
Should contain the following:
- A clause detailing in depth what the deposit is for and how it is returned.
- The Landlord and Tenant Act S11 Clause in depth - this stops the tenant who nit-picks on repairs.
- Clauses for dealing with all the Grounds for Possession.
- A good forfeiture clause that embraces rent arrears, all the grounds for possession, false references and any other breach of the tenancy.
- Clauses dealing with Safety, e.g., no portable gas heaters, not having washing machines running when the property is empty, etc.
- Clauses dealing with property left behind after the tenancy, giving the landlord the right to dispose of it.
- A clause to deal with service of documents. With the right clause, all you will have to prove is that the document reached the property address.
- A clause making a charge for sending letters for rent arrears, or serving notices, or making a visit to the property when there has been no response to these.
- A guarantor clause at the end of the agreement, so they know exactly what they are in for.
- A clause to try to deal with recovery of overpayment of Housing Benefit.
RLA Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
Click here for the RLA Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, Developed in consultation with the Office of Fair Trading and The Plain English Campaign