Tenancy agreement

Your landlord will usually require you to sign a tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord setting out your rights and obligations. Some landlords may refuse you a written tenancy agreement, but you should always ask for a written agreement. A written agreement will help you if you have a dispute with your landlord when the tenancy ends. Even if you don't have a written agreement, your landlord still has legal responsibilities.

A written agreement usually includes:

• your name
• your landlord's name
• the address of the property
• the date the tenancy begins and ends
• if it is for a fixed term, the length of the tenancy
• when the rent is due and how much it is
• when the rent can be increased
• how much notice you and your landlord need to give to end the tenancy
• your responsibilities and your landlord's responsibilities, such as repairs.