Renting as a Private Tenant
Private Rented Sector
The tenancy agreement
Before you move into a privately-rented home you should normally sign a 'tenancy agreement' - a legal contract that sets out your rights and responsibilities, and the rights and responsibilities of your landlord.
It says what rent you should pay, what repairs the landlord must do and the rules about leaving the property. The landlord doesn't have to give you a written tenancy agreement, but you have the right to a written 'statement' which should include: the date the tenancy began; the amount of rent and the dates it should be paid; the arrangements for increasing the rent; and the length of the tenancy (usually six or twelve months).
Make sure you can pay the rent set in the tenancy agreement and have claimed housing benefit if necessary. A landlord has legal responsibilities; they must carry out certain repairs for instance. A tenancy agreement cannot override these responsibilities - it cannot make you responsible for these repairs.
Which tenancy?
The type of tenancy you get depends on whether or not you share with your landlord. If you are sharing, you have fewer rights than living separately. If the landlord won't be living with you, you'll almost certainly get an agreement called an 'assured shorthold' tenancy. This usually only runs for a specific period - called a 'fixed term' - usually six or twelve months. Your tenancy agreement will probably say you are responsible for paying the rent right up to the end of that period, even if you leave before. (If you moved in before March 1997 find out more about the right to stay in your home).
Get advice
Tenancy agreements are often long and 'wordy'. But it's a contract that gives you legal responsibilities, so make sure you read and understood it before you sign it. Ask for a copy to take away before you commit yourself. The Housing Officer can go through it with you and explain your tenancy rights or you should consult your own legal advisor or the CAB. Make sure the details are correct - your name, the address, the date the tenancy starts, how long it lasts, landlord contact details and so on.
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