With rental properties harder to come by than ever, it can be tempting to sign the dotted line as soon as your application for tenancy is approved. But before signing anything it’s important that you’re aware of the details of the agreement you are about to sign. In contrast to what many people assume, tenancy agreements are not standard and often differ between landlord to landlord and from property to property. So before you sign, here are a few things to watch out for:

The Type of Agreement

In most cases you’ll want to make sure the agreement you are signing is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). This gives you a period of time (usually 6 months) in which you are guaranteed to be able to live in the property without the landlord asking you to leave (barring any major break of your contract). ASTs also protect the landlord as they are guaranteed paymeny for a decent period of time. In most cases, once the six months is up, the contract transfers to a rolling contract in which either you or the landlord can give a notice period. These are usually one and two months respectively, but as with everything in your tenancy agreement, check before you sign.

What’s included?

Your tenancy agreement should clearly state the costs that are included and those that aren’t. For example, are utilities such as water and electricity covered by your rent, or will you have to pay the provider separately? Likewise, check whether your council tax is included, and whether you are required to pay for any maintenance costs such as a monthly visit from a gardener. All these extra costs can add up and make a place that seemed affordable at first a real financial burden.

The Basics

It can be easy to skim over these, but do spend time making sure all the simple details are included on the contract. Your landlord’s name and contact address, how much the rent is, when it is to be paid and by what method as well as the expected deposit and terms of repayment should all be clearly laid out. Not being able to get in contact with your landlord in the case of a problem can be frustrating – realising you won’t get a deposit back downright infuriating.

The Small Print

Every property will have a number of requirements that are specific to the building. Some landlords will let you hang pictures or paint the walls while others will consider bluetack on the paintwork grounds for refusing to return a deposit. Some still let you smoke indoors, but most will require you to step outside. Are you allowed pets and is there are special cleaning policy if you are? How about bulky items such as furniture or personal gym equipment? The quirks of what’s allowed and what’s not can be many and varied so it’s worth making sure you are able to comply with them before you agree to rent the property. And definitely don’t try and sneak the odd disallowed item or activity past your landlord – the consequences could be expensive.

A Handshake isn’t Enough!

Even if you’re renting from a friend or acquaintance – and especially if you’re not – it’s important to make sure you get everything down on paper in advance of the tenancy beginning. That way you will both be covered in the result of any disagreement.

Before you Start Renting

Did you know that you could build your credit rating simply by paying your rent on time? If you’re looking to get a foot on the property ladder this will act as a huge boost to your ability to get a mortgage in the future. Ask your landlord if they are signed up to our Credit Builder application, or sign up yourself and start building your credit straight away.