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There are a number of FREE tenancy agreement forms available from the Internet, but before you use them, check they are prepared by a solicitor, and fit for purpose. If you are not confident in the quality of the tenancy agreement, don’t use it.
Use this free tenancy agreement form (AST) for rental property in England and Wales.
Alongside tenancy agreements, landlords can create and download all of the various prescribed information forms required when letting out their rental property.
Under English / Welsh law, there is no specific legal requirement that states a landlord must use a tenancy agreement form. However, in practice, you really need one! Only a truly foolhardy landlord would let a property based on a verbal agreement, or a shake of hands. More often than not a tenant is a complete stranger, but even if they are not, don’t do it!
Letting out property is a serious business that requires the security of a written tenancy agreement. Not having one could be very costly for you. If a landlord needs to push forward with an enforcement of possession or any alteration in the tenancy terms, any required legal proceedings will become far more difficult and expensive without the foundation of a signed tenancy agreement to clarify the terms of the tenancy. A written tenancy agreement is also required if a landlord wishes to serve accelerated proceedings.
Having a well written tenancy agreement brings benefit for both landlord and tenant, making clear who is responsible for repair and maintenance, specifying rent payments, and defining notice periods.
If any disagreement between a tenant and a landlord arises it will be the tenancy agreement that forms the foundation of any legal case.
free tenancy agreement form