Saturday, September 26, 2009

Tenancy Agreements - Their Contents And Uses

By James L Harrison

Before letting a tenant to occupy your property, it is quite important to sign a proper tenancy agreement, as it sets out the limitations of tenants' rights as well as their obligations. Apart from limitations and obligations, terms, payments, rent amounts, deposits, payment methods, rights, notices, guarantor clauses, signature and witnesses are included in a tenancy agreement. Let us find out the details of this agreement.

In addition, other terms like payment schedule, rent, deposits, payment methods, rights, notices, guarantor clauses, signature and witnesses make an essential part of a tenancy agreement. Following is a detailed analysis of a tenancy agreement and the way to handle this issue.

Tenancy agreements are signed in the presence of both, the tenant and the landlord. The presence of a guarantor is also ensured if the landlord is not satisfied with the financial position of the tenant. The guarantor agrees on paying the rent and executing other duties on the behalf of the tenant in case of any untoward situation.

Usually, a long and comprehensive list of obligations is imposed on the tenants. However, most of the time, payment of rent, utility bills, TV license, banning of some alteration, property condition, leaving property in a clean state, and property inspection are some of the issues that are mentioned in the main clauses of the tenancy agreements. Under these obligations, the tenant is bound to pay rent on time. Moreover, if a third party pays rent on the tenants' behalf, it is accepted as a payment made by the tenant; however, that third party does not get any rights as tenants in any case.

There are also other clauses in a tenancy agreement related to the payment of utility bills, installation of cable TV and its charges, and the current physical condition of the property. Similarly, the agreement also restricts any construction or alteration on the rental property. Additionally, there is a provision that a third party can pay the rent on the tenant's behalf. He or she, however, will not be eligible to claim a place in the rental property as only the tenant has the legal right to do that.

Apart from the monthly rent, tenant has to pay the utility bills from his own pocket. Even in the case of disconnection of a utility, he will have to pay the reconnection fee. The tenant pays local taxes, including council tax and other revenues. Water costs are also borne by him.

Similarly, the tenant pays the water bills himself. Tenancy agreement allows the landlord to inspect his property after giving a proper notice to the tenant. They can agree on a time for this inspection. A tenant, on the other hand, cannot make any structural changes or keep pets or other animals in the house without informing the landlord.

If a tenant does not want to include any clause that he thinks can become difficult for him to follow, he can discuss it with the landlord and can tell him about the issues which are preventing him from accepting that particular clause. Tenancy Agreements often prove quite effective for landlords as well as for the tenants, as under such agreements, they both can realise their rights and obligations.

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