Basic Elements of a Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy agreement is the contract between landlord and tenant that outlines the terms under which a property is leased and the respective responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved. The actual specifics of your agreement can cover whatever you and your tenant agree on as long as it doesn't conflict with the law. At a minimum, a tenancy agreement should include:

The landlord's name and contact information.
The tenant's name.
Whether or not this is an individual or joint tenancy agreement; if joint, all parties should be listed.
Address of the property.
The date the tenancy commenced.
The length of the lease.
The rent amount, period (weekly, monthly, or other), day due, late payment penalties, the process by which it is paid, and when and how often it can be increased.
Terms and notice provisions that allow the agreement to be terminated by either party.
Who is responsible for paying utility bills, including gas, water, electricity, and any other bills the may be attached to the property.
Payment of council tax if applicable.
Responsibility for repair and maintenance of the building, contents, and any garden.
Rules regarding decorating, including painting, wall hangings, floor coverings, and any other decorative alterations.
Whether or not subletting is allowed and, if so, under what circumstances.
Rules regarding the conduct of tenants, visitors, and guests; the keeping of pets; and any other tenant activities.
Details of any services provided by the landlord and what, if any, charges will be made for those services.
Details regarding the landlord's right and ability to access the property for repair and inspection purposes.
Insurance responsibility. Typically, the landlord pays to insure the property itself plus any furnishings and contents provided by the landlord, as well as public liability coverage; the tenant pays to insure any tenant-owned items.
Signatures of all parties, including guarantors, if required.

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