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Your letting agreement
Your letting agreement should be what is legally known as an assured
shorthold tenancy. This is a form of letting for a period of over 6 months
which sets out your obligations as a Tenant.
Rent
Your letting agreement should clearly state the agreed amount of rent and
how and when it is to be paid. Usually rent is paid in advance by standing
order. Once you sign your letting agreement you will be contractually bound
to pay the rent for the full period of the agreement unless you have a break
clause. Your letting agreement should also state whether or not the rent
includes water rates and utilities charges.
The Legal Lounge Tip: Negotiate a break clause to end the letting after 6
months if you can. This gives you the option to move out if circumstances
change.
Term
Typically your letting agreement will run for a period of 12 months.
The Legal Lounge Tip: Negotiate an agreement to run for the length of your
academic year i.e September to June.
Deposit
Most Landlords will ask you to provide a Deposit of approximately one
month/six weeks rent. Ensure that your letting agreement sets out exactly
what the Deposit covers such as repairs, damage and the cost of cleaning the
Property when you leave. The Deposit will also usually cover arrears of rent
and any unpaid bills. The Landlord should hold your Deposit in a designated
bank account and return it to you at the end of your letting.
The Legal Lounge Tip: Ask for the interest earned on your Deposit to be paid
to you.
Joint & Several liability
If you sign the same letting agreement as your housemates, you will be
legally defined as Joint Tenants. This means that you will be “joint and
severally liable” and if your housemates break anything or don’t pay their
share of the rent the Landlord will expect you to pay for it!
The Legal Lounge Tip: Choose your housemates carefully.
Your responsibilities
Your letting agreement will set out your responsibilities as a Tenant. These
will include keeping the Property clean, tidy and secure. You will be
required to give your Landlord access to the Property on reasonable notice
for inspection and to carry out any repairs.
The Legal Lounge Tip: Read your letting agreement carefully to check your
responsibilities as a Tenant.
Your Landlord’s responsibilities
Your letting agreement should state that your Landlord will carry out
repairs to the exterior and the structure of the Property and maintain
services including hot water, gas and electricity. In addition your Landlord
should insure the Property (but not your belongings).
The Legal Lounge Tip: Ask your accommodation office/other Students about
your Landlord’s reputation.
The Legal Lounge,
www.thelegallounge.com.
© The Legal Lounge 2002 and Accommodation for Students Ltd. All rights
reserved.
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