When a property is let out it is essential that there is a cohesive agreement which sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party. If there is no agreement in place then problems and disputes may arise.
A tenancy agreement should clearly define the period of each letting, the amount of rent payable and the dates for payment. It will also deal with any deposit that has been paid.
Tenants’ responsibilities will usually encompass payment of rent and utility bills together with an obligation to keep the property in a clean and tidy state and condition. The landlord’s obligation will be to keep the property insured and to maintain the structure. As of 1 October 2008 the landlord is also obliged to have the property inspected by an energy assessor and an energy performance certificate must be made available to prospective tenants. The landlord is also obliged to provide a gas safety certificate where the property has gas central heating.
There are various types of tenancies: bare tenancies, holiday or short term lets, assured tenancies or assured shorthold tenancies. Each type of tenancy will have implications for security of tenure. The residential property team is able to advise on all of these different types of tenancies.
