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CONTRACTS

When renting property you will usually be given a contract to sign by the landlord which explains the Terms and Conditions under which you will be renting the property. The Advice Centre can check your contract to see that it is fair before you sign it - once it is signed it is binding in the vast majority of cases so make sure you know what you are agreeing to. There are various different types of contract and things to look out for- the list below is not exhaustive.

Joint Tenancy

One agreement is signed by all those living in the property, making you all jointly and severally liable for rent in case of default. Problems arise when one member of a property moves out and the remaining members become liable for their rent. WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO SEEK ADVICE BEFORE SIGNING A JOINT TENANCY

Assured Shorthold Tenancy

This type of agreement is very popular with landlords as they are pretty much watertight once signed - unless you have a viable get-out clause. However, you cannot be evicted from the property for at least six months unless you are in breach of contract.

Licences

More commonly recognised as a "permission to stay" licence agreement - it gives you far less protection than a tenancy agreement. If you enjoy sole and exclusive possession of your property then you are not a licensee but a protected tenant, whatever your agreement says. For further clarification of your status contact the The Advice Centre.

No Contract

If you don't have a contract but still pay rent monthly or weekly then you have a periodic tenancy that runs from month to month/week to week. You are entitled to ask for a written statement from your landlord laying out the basic terms of your agreement - we strongly advise that you do this. Ask for details such as when your tenancy began, rent payable, rent revision provision. The Advice Centre can give you a more comprehensive list.