What documents belong in a tenancy agreement?
Rent, operating costs, security deposit, term, notice and condition, plus the handover protocol and the energy performance certificate. We handle it.
Which documents belong in a tenancy agreement
A complete, properly drafted tenancy agreement protects landlord and tenant equally. It settles the most important points of the tenancy clearly and avoids disputes later. The more precise the agreement, the less room there is for misunderstandings.
What belongs in it
A good tenancy agreement settles at least these points:
- the level of the rent and the operating costs
- the amount of the security deposit and how it is used
- the term of the tenancy and the conditions for giving notice
- provisions on upkeep and use
- the condition of the flat at handover
Handover protocol and energy performance certificate
In addition, a handover protocol and the energy performance certificate belong with it. The handover protocol records the condition of the flat when moving in and out, with meter readings and any defects, and is decisive in later discussions. The energy performance certificate is required by law and must be shown to the tenant.
What matters legally
In tenancy law many points are governed by statute, such as fixed terms, notice periods or which costs may lawfully be passed on. An agreement that ignores these requirements can be partly ineffective and put you at a disadvantage as landlord. We make sure your tenancy agreement is legally sound while still protecting your interests.
Fixed term or open-ended
One important decision is whether the tenancy agreement is for a fixed term or open-ended. Both have advantages and disadvantages and are subject to different statutory rules, for example on minimum term and notice. A fixed term gives planning certainty but limits flexibility. An open-ended agreement is simpler but ties you in for longer. We discuss with you which option suits your goals and put it into the agreement in a legally sound way, so that there are no unpleasant surprises later.
We handle it for you
We draw up a sound tenancy agreement and handle matters with the tenant. That way everything is properly documented from the outset. Who you take on as a tenant is at least as important as the agreement itself; what matters there is shown in the article on selecting tenants. How quickly a suitable tenant is found is explained in how quickly a tenant can be found. Contact us.