5th Sep, 2023
Whether you are stepping into the shoes of a tenant or donning the role of a landlord, a written tenancy agreement acts as the cornerstone of a harmonious and legally secure arrangement. Fortunately, the Government has crafted a model tenancy agreement that caters to the interests of both parties and the best part? It’s available for free. This guide is here to shed light on the importance of this model tenancy agreement and provide you with a detailed walkthrough of its nuances.
In this blog, we will explore the intricacies of crafting a well-structured and legally binding tenancy agreement including the eSignature process. Whether you’re a landlord seeking clarity or a tenant pursuing security, this guide is your compass for navigating the world of property rentals while harnessing the efficiency of digital signatures. If you are considering using this agreement, it is very important that you first read this introductory guidance note.
Picture a document that strikes the perfect equilibrium between the interests of landlords and tenants. The Government’s model tenancy agreement does exactly that. The goal is to establish a fair playing field for all parties involved, ensuring the rights and responsibilities of each are articulated with precision. While there’s no legal mandate to use this particular agreement, its creation underscores the commitment to fostering healthy and transparent landlord-tenant relationships. This agreement, tailored for longer tenancies, takes into account the potential shifts in circumstances for both landlords and tenants during the tenancy. This flexibility is especially evident when the agreement spans two years or more, granting the landlord or the tenant the option to conclude it early under certain stipulations outlined in section F – the break clauses.
While the model agreement is ideally suited for more extended tenancies, it’s worth noting its adaptability for shorter fixed-term agreements. If you’re considering a lease lasting 6 to 18 months, for instance, you can seamlessly tailor the agreement to accommodate such durations. Adjust the rent for the entire period (as described in clause B6) and disregard the break clauses in section F, which specifically pertain to tenancies extending two years or more. This adaptability ensures that the agreement remains a relevant and useful tool for a spectrum of tenancy durations. And, as your tenure concludes, renewal options abound, allowing the agreement to evolve in sync with your changing needs.
It’s essential to recognise that the model agreement has a specific scope. Designed for private landlords and tenants entering into fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for privately rented properties in England, this agreement doesn’t fit all scenarios. It’s a misfit for social housing like a local authority or housing association properties, business lets involving corporate tenancy, holiday homes, or situations where the tenants don’t occupy the property as their primary residence. Additionally, it’s not tailored for shared living arrangements like lodgers in the landlord’s home, renting a room in a shared premise, or commercial properties like shops and offices.
E-Sign’s electronic signature platform emerges as the catalyst that bridges the digital divide, enabling both landlords and tenants to seamlessly execute agreements while adhering to legal standards. As we journey through the following sections, we will unveil a comprehensive checklist to construct a robust tenancy agreement, ensuring a transparent and mutually beneficial association for both parties. Whether you’re embarking on a new chapter as a landlord or stepping into a new rental abode as a tenant, the power of digitalisation and legal clarity awaits your virtual signature.
Before signing a tenancy agreement, both landlords and tenants need to undertake a series of critical steps. These steps not only contribute to the legal and smooth execution of the agreement but also ensure a transparent and harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for the signing process:
As a landlord, it’s crucial to establish the trustworthiness of your prospective tenant. Before agreeing to a tenancy, follow these steps:
For a more comprehensive understanding, refer to the Government’s ‘How to Rent’ guide, available at, and the ‘How to Let’ guide.
Before proceeding with signing, take the time to carefully review the agreement’s content. Understand each clause, obligation, and right outlined within the document. If any doubts arise, seek clarification from the other party or consider seeking independent legal advice.
Certain clauses in the model tenancy agreement require specific agreement between both parties. This includes details such as the rent amount and the length of the tenancy. Ensure that all necessary information is filled in accurately.
As a tenant, your participation in the agreement process is equally vital. Here’s what you should do:
Renting a property comes with a host of responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. A successful and harmonious tenancy requires meticulous planning and adherence to essential dates and tasks. For landlords, this checklist serves as your compass to navigate the intricate terrain of tenancy agreements. Let’s delve into the core components that demand your attention:
To guarantee a seamless tenancy experience, consider the following checklist and ensure each item is meticulously addressed:
– Verify ‘Right to Rent’ Eligibility: Ensure that all adult occupants possess the right to rent property in the UK.
– Fill in Agreement Clauses: Complete the designated sections of the agreement including parties, occupiers, property description, common facilities, and more (See checklist for specifics).
– Provide Tenant with Information: Offer copies of inventory, property information, gas safety and energy performance certificates, and the Government’s ‘How to Rent’ Guide.
– Electrical Safety Compliance: For tenancies post-July 2020 (or April 2021 for existing tenancies), ensure electrical installations are inspected, and tested, and necessary remedial work is completed.
– Protect the Deposit: If applicable, safeguard the deposit in an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide relevant prescribed information.
– Install Safety Alarms: Place smoke alarms on each living floor and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances. Confirm their functionality at the start of the tenancy.
– Human Habitation Compliance: Ensure the property aligns with the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Mark your calendar with these pivotal dates to stay on top of your obligations:
– Deadline for Deposit Protection: The last date to protect the deposit and provide prescribed information to the tenant (see clause B10.1 and guidance note).
– Gas Safety Inspection Due: The date for the next gas safety inspection (or renewal) to be conducted on or before.
– Fixed Term End Date: The termination date of the fixed-term tenancy, requiring landlord-tenant communication for post-term arrangements.
– Next Electrical Safety Inspection: Recommended every 5 years, this inspection’s due date should be recorded for future reference.
– First Right to Rent Check Date: The date of the initial Right to Rent check for the tenant.
– Subsequent Right to Rent Check Date: If applicable, note the date for subsequent Right to Rent checks (for tenants with limited right to rent).
As a landlord, staying organised and attentive to these dates and tasks sets the tone for a successful and amicable landlord-tenant relationship. Utilising E-Sign’s platform to manage and sign documents ensures efficiency and legality in your tenancy agreements.
Before diving into the specifics of the agreement, it’s vital to establish a clear set of definitions. This section lays the foundation for mutual understanding between the parties involved. Define terms such as “Landlord,” “Tenant,” “Premises,” “Rent,” “Security Deposit,” and any other relevant terms to avoid confusion.
This section serves as the backbone of the agreement, encompassing the essential elements that both parties have agreed upon. Here, you need to cover:
In this section, focus on the responsibilities of the tenant throughout the tenancy. Include:
Equally important are the responsibilities of the landlord. Address:
Detail the specific reasons that allow the landlord to regain possession of the property during the fixed term. This could include non-payment of rent, breach of terms, or other valid reasons.
Common valid reasons include:
Landlords seeking comprehensive knowledge about their legal responsibilities can turn to the Government’s ‘How to Let’ guide. This guide serves as a compass, directing landlords to resources that illuminate their legal obligations beyond the agreement’s confines.
For tenancies exceeding two years, consider including a break clause that allows either party to terminate the agreement prematurely. Outline the notice period and conditions required for invoking this clause.
This section is reserved for any additional terms or agreements that both parties wish to include. For example, it could cover:
Ensure that both parties have each other’s current contact details for communication purposes. Clarify how written notices should be served and the methods accepted (e.g., email, post).
To conclude the agreement with a designated space for both the landlord and the tenant to sign electronically using E-Sign’s platform. This digital signature ensures the authenticity and validity of the agreement.
