Renting a home Letting agreements explained

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You should check your letting agreement carefully

The tenancy agreement is one of the most important documents that you will sign during the renting process. However, it’s surprising how few people take enough time to check contracts and ensure they know what to look out for.

The following checklist is useful for examining the key clauses in the letting contract, which is most likely to be an assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST).

Letting agreement checklist

The following pieces of information should be in an AST agreement. If you can’t find them, make sure you have the agreement checked by a legal specialist in lettings.

  • Details of the parties involved Includes the contact details of the landlord/tenant and anyone else involved in the let, such as a letting agent and/or guarantor.
  • Date of the contract This is normally the start date of the tenancy.
  • Data protection Ensures a tenant’s details can be shared only with parties relevant to the let, for example an inventory clerk or utility company. Read more about your data protection rights in our guide.
  • The property Refers to the fixtures and fittings within the property (such as kitchen or a fireplace) and the outside space, and normally includes items recorded in the inventory.
  • The deposit This is an essential clause that should detail how much deposit the landlord/agent will take and which tenancy deposit protection scheme is used to protect your deposit should there be a dispute.
  • The rent This records how much the rent will be, when it’s due and how it is to be paid, for example by standing order. It should also state what happens if you default on the rent and how the rent can be increased during your stay.
  • Possession and notices These clauses set out the notice you have to give the landlord/agent if you want to leave the property, and how the landlord can regain possession of their property.
  • Tenant’s obligations This sets out everything a tenant should - or shouldn’t - do while renting the property. This will include things like keeping it in good order and notifying the landlord/agent if there is a problem, such as a leak. They can be quite extensive so make sure you read them very carefully and understand each one.
  • Fair wear and tear This explains that some parts of the property may naturally deteriorate with age, such as carpets, and that the tenant should not be liable for this.
  • Signatures This is where you and the landlord (or letting agent) sign the agreement, which makes it binding.

For more advice, see our book Renting & Letting which contains everything you need to know to navigate the rental market.

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