Whether you are looking for a residential tenancy or a business tenancy agreement, there are a minefield of areas that you’ll need to be clued up on, from what kind of tenancy agreement you need, whether it is a joint tenancy or land tenancy agreement as well as what legal notice you need to give if you wish to terminate the tenancy.
That’s where Net Lawman can help as they provide all the legal documents you need and at a fraction of the price of a high street solicitor.
Here are few tips to get you on your way, but for more detailed advice visit
http://www.netlawman.co.uk/info/tenancy-agreement.php
Understand what tenancy you need
Almost all new tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies ("ASTs") and are for a fixed term - usually between six months and 3 years. During this time, the tenant has exclusive occupation of all or part of the property. The landlord may charge a market rent and can recover possession only for the specific grounds laid down in the Housing Act 1988.
These rules don’t apply to some categories of tenancy such as holiday lettings and lettings to companies for their staff. If you let a holiday home for someone to live in for a while, it is considered a residential tenancy, not a holiday letting.
Why use a written tenancy agreement?
There are several reasons why a written agreement in advance of an occupation is advantageous:
• You cannot force a tenant to sign any agreement after they have taken occupation
• Both sides have a clear record of what is agreed;
• A landlord has a legal obligation to provide written details of the main terms of the agreement within six months of the start of the tenancy;
• If eviction is necessary, the landlord cannot use the "accelerated possession" procedure unless the tenancy agreement is in writing.
Finally, always use a proper tenancy agreement. There are plenty of cheapie versions to avoid. You might even find one for sale at your local supermarket, but surely your house is worth more than £10!