<script type=”application/ld+json”>{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is a tenancy agreement?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”A tenancy agreement in the UK can be a written or verbal form of agreement (although it is strongly recommended to have a written document of your tenancy) between a landlord and a tenant in the private renting market. The purpose of the agreement is to establish the rights and responsibilities of both parties, ensuring proper care and maintenance of the property during the period of the rental agreement. \n\nTypically, the landlord will create the agreement for the tenant to review. They can then ask questions or clarify any clauses they are unsure about, and when they are happy, they will sign the document. Once both parties have signed, the agreement becomes legally binding. “}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Why is a tenancy agreement important?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Establishing a tenancy agreement is vital, as it provides a clear framework outlining the essential terms both the landlord and tenant should know. It specifies key elements such as the rental period, monthly payment amount, house rules (like no pets or smoking), and duties related to upkeep and repairs.\n\nWithout a written contract in place, handling disputes over issues like rent, maintenance, deposit returns, or ending the tenancy can be challenging and may leave both parties vulnerable to legal complications.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What are the different types of tenancy agreements?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”When writing a tenancy agreement, one of the first decisions a landlord must make is the type of tenancy. In the UK, the most common form is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) — and within that, you’ll typically choose between a fixed-term or a periodic tenancy.\n\nUnderstanding the difference is key to setting the right expectations and avoiding confusion later on.\nFixed term\nA fixed-term tenancy is a rental agreement that runs for a set period — usually 6 or 12 months, though it can be longer. During this time, the terms of the agreement (such as rent amount and duration) are locked in, and neither party can end the tenancy early without a break clause or mutual agreement.\n\nLandlords would usually opt for a fixed-term rental agreement if they want consistency and certainty over the income and tenancy length of their property. They can ask the tenant to leave the property after the contract ends, as long as at least 2 months’ notice is given in writing.\n\nPeriod term\nA periodic tenancy is a rolling agreement that continues week to week or month to month after the initial fixed term ends, or it may start as periodic from the beginning.\n\nIt offers more flexibility but less certainty for both parties. There is no set end date in a periodic term, the agreement continues until notice is given by either party to end the tenancy. Period term notices are normally four weeks, but they can be longer.\n”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can rent be increased without signing a new tenancy agreement?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, but only under specific legal conditions.\n\nIf you’re on a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy, the landlord can raise the rent once a year by providing a formal Section 13 notice. For fixed-term tenancies, the rent cannot be increased during the term unless there is a rent review clause in the contract or the tenant agrees to the new amount in writing.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do tenants have to receive a copy of the tenancy agreement?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes. Tenants have a legal right to a written copy of the agreement. Landlords should provide this before the tenancy starts — ideally at the point of signing.\n\nIf a landlord refuses or delays, it could weaken their legal position, especially when serving notices or resolving disputes.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What if there’s no written tenancy agreement?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Even without a written agreement, the tenancy remains legally valid, but it introduces greater risks for both the landlord and tenant.\n\nWithout a written contract, the terms may still be governed by verbal agreements under tenancy law, but proving what was agreed upon becomes more challenging. This can create difficulties in situations such as:\n\nDisputes over the deposit\nRent increases\nLegally terminating the tenancy\n\nHaving a written agreement in place safeguards both parties and is highly recommended.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can a tenant leave before the end of a fixed-term agreement?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Only if:\n\nThere’s a break clause allowing early termination, or\nThe landlord agrees to end the tenancy early\n\nIf neither applies and the tenant leaves early, they may still be liable for rent until a replacement is found or the term ends.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I create a tenancy agreement digitally and sign it online?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes — digital tenancy agreements are legally valid in the UK, as long as they meet certain conditions:\n\nAll parties consent to using electronic signatures\nThe platform used is secure and reliable (like E-Sign)\nThe agreement remains accessible and tamper-proof\n\nGoing digital is faster, safer, and ideal for remote renting.”}}]}</script><!–FAQPage Code Generated by https://saijogeorge.com/json-ld-schema-generator/faq/–>