Disagreements between tenants and landlords can be long and sometimes bitter. Yet most can be avoided with the right legal advice at the start.
We can deal with all areas of Landlord and Tenant Law and are skilled in settling disputes. But prevention is better than cure. The key to a happy tenancy is to understand your rights and duties as a tenant and to make sure your tenancy agreement reflects them. This is why it's vital to visit a us before you agree to your landlord's terms.
Tenancy agreements
A tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord. This contract can be written or verbal. In England and Wales there is no law to say that landlords have to provide a written tenancy agreement, but it is always a good idea to ask for one - even if your landlord is a friend or family member. Otherwise, if you have a dispute with your landlord about the terms of your tenancy, it is your word against theirs as to what has been agreed.
There are several types of tenancy agreement. Of these, the two most common types are the 'assured shorthold' tenancy and 'assured' tenancy.
Assured shorthold tenancy
This is normally for six months. You have no right to stay at the end of the tenancy period agreed if your landlord has given you valid notice to leave.
Assured tenancy
This is often used by public-sector landlords. It gives you far greater rights to stay at the end of the tenancy period agreed. You should contact us before you agree the terms of a tenancy with your landlord. This will give you the chance to check whether the terms are fair and legal before you commit to them.
The right advice from the beginning can save you time and money later on, contact us for further assistance.
