► Your Contract

Before you sign a contract don't forget - tenancy agreements are legally binding.

Types of tenancy...

The majority of tenancies are ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancies’ and these can be periodic or fixed, joint or sole.

Periodic and Fixed...
Periodic tenancies are renewed continually, either weekly or monthly, and can be ended after a set period of notice has been given

Fixed tenancies are for a set period of time (usually one academic year) and cannot be ended early. However, both private landlords and University housing may allow you to end the tenancy if you find a replacement to carry on with your contract.

Joint and Sole...
A joint tenancy is one you share with your housemate/s. All of your names will be on the contract and you will all be ‘joint and severally’ responsible for rent, damages etc.   The main problem with this is that if someone ‘does a runner’, the rest of you become liable to pay their rent.  So if four of you sign at £300 per month, and Joe Bloggs goes home after 2 months, your rent now goes up to £400 per month. Whilst it is possible for you to then chase Joe Bloggs, it can be time consuming and costly.

A sole tenancy means that you have your individual space, for example your bedroom, but that you all share communal areas (and any costs that may be incurred to do with them).

If you leave your accommodation early, without complying with the contract, you will be liable for the remainder of the rent until the end of the academic year. This goes for both Uni and Private housing.

Be clear on what you want...


You can negotiate a contract with a landlord.  If there is something you disagree with – talk to them. The minimum you should expect to see in any contract is:

  • What type of agreement it is (i.e.Assured Shorthold)
  • Dates of the agreement
  • People included on the agreement
  • Address of the property
  • Length of the fixed term
  • Amount of rent and what it covers (i.e. water bills)
  • Details of how and when the rent is payable
  • Name, address and contact details of the landlord.


Be aware that even if you go through an agency, they have a legal obligation to provide you with the landlords’ details.  You can request these in writing, and expect a response within 21 days, or they are breaking the law.

You should request the contract has details of the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord, and the tenant, and written details of ways these may be broken. Read the section on rights and responsibilities.

Problems?

Should you run into any difficulties contact SUAC

 

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