Tenancy agreement
When you rent a house or flat privately you sign a tenancy agreement, or lease. This
explains the conditions or rules you must follow while renting the property. This
agreement must be checked very carefully to avoid problems later. The agreement also
contains a list of any furniture or fittings in the property. This is called an inventory.
Before you sign the agreement, check the details and keep it safe during your tenancy.
You will probably be asked to give landlord a deposit at the beginning of your tenancy.
This is to cover the cost of any damage. It is usually equal to one month’s rent. The
landlord must return this money to you at the end of your tenancy, unless you have
caused damage to the property.
Your rent is fixed with your landlord at the beginning of the tenancy. The landlord cannot
raise the rent without your agreement.
If you have a low income or are unemployed you may be able to claim Housing Benefit
to help you pay your rent.
Your tenancy agreement will be for a fixed period of time, often six months. After this
time the tenancy can be ended or, if both tenant and landlord agree, renewed. If you end
the tenancy before the fixed time, you usually have to pay the rent for the agreed full
period of the tenancy.
A landlord cannot force a tenant to leave. If a landlord wishes a tenant to leave they must
follow the correct procedures. These vary according to the type of tenancy. It is a
criminal offence for a landlord to use threats or violence against a tenant or to force them
to leave without an order from the court.
It is unlawful for a landlord to discriminate against someone looking for accommodation
because of their sex, race, nationality, ethnic group, or because they are disabled, unless
the landlord or a close relative of the landlord is sharing the accommodation.
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