The document governing the relationship.
WHAT IT MUST IDENTIFY
The parties The property, precisely The term and its start The rent and payment terms The deposit
WHAT TO STATE ABOUT THE DEPOSIT
Its amount What it covers How and when it is returned What may be deducted
WHY CLEARLY
Deposit disputes are the commonest tenancy disagreement.
WHAT TO ALLOCATE
Responsibility for repairs, by category.
WHAT LANDLORDS TYPICALLY BEAR
Structure Major systems Anything present at the start
WHAT TENANTS TYPICALLY BEAR
Their own damage Minor and consumable items Cleanliness
WHAT TO STATE ABOUT UTILITIES
Who pays what, and how it is metered or apportioned.
WHY
It is a frequent source of dispute, particularly where supply is shared.
WHAT TO ADDRESS ABOUT SUBLETTING
Whether it is permitted.
WHAT TO ADDRESS ABOUT ALTERATIONS
What requires consent.
WHAT TO ADDRESS ABOUT ACCESS
When the landlord may enter, with what notice.
WHY
Entering without notice produces complaints and undermines the relationship.
WHAT TO ADDRESS ABOUT TERMINATION
Notice required, both ways What happens at expiry What happens on breach
WHAT TO AVOID
Terms that are unlawful Terms you will not enforce
WHAT TO HAVE PREPARED
A standard agreement, by a solicitor.
