Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Under part 1 of the Housing Act 1988

As amended under part 3 of the Housing Act 1996

-between-
(hereinafter referred to as “the Landlord”)

-and-
(hereinafter referred to as “The Tenant”)

-property-
(hereinafter referred to as “the Premises”)

Key Agreement Clauses

1 THE LANDLORD WARRANTS:

1.1 That they are the sole owner/s of the Property.

1.2 That any furniture in the Property complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended in 1993.

1.3 That all electrical appliances comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.

2 THE TENANT AGREES:

2.1 To keep the interior of the Premises and all fixtures, fittings, furniture, effects and all windows in good repair and decorative condition and clean.

2.2 Not to assign, sub-let, part with possession or share the occupation of the Premises.

2.3 To use the Premises only for the purpose of a single dwelling house.

2.4 To use the Premises for residential use only and not for any political or religious gatherings.

2.5 Not to do anything which may be or become a nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience.

2.6 Subject to 24 hours notice, save in an emergency, to permit the Landlord and/or their Employees to enter the Premises.

2.7 To give the Landlord notice as soon as reasonably practicable of any necessary repairs or damage.

2.8 To yield up the Premises and contents at the end of the tenancy in a clean and tidy condition.

2.9 Not to carry out structural alterations or affix items without written permission.

2.10 To dispose of refuse and waste material only in accordance with the directions of the Landlord.

2.11 To keep the landing giving access to the Premises clean and unobstructed.

2.12 To keep the windows in the Premises, inside and outside, clean.

2.13 Not to smoke or permit smoking on any part of the Premises including the communal internal area.

2.14 Not to keep any animals or pets without the Landlord’s consent.

2.15 Where applicable to keep the garden properly tended.

2.16 Where a summer house is provided the Tenant is responsible for maintaining it.

2.17 Not to erect a shed or any structure in the garden without written permission.

2.18 Not to park vehicles without first obtaining consent.

2.19 To test battery operated smoke alarms at regular intervals.

2.20 Not to use prohibited drugs or controlled substances in or about the Property.

2.21 Not to play music audible outside the Property after eleven o’clock pm or before ten o’clock a.m.

2.22 Interest on rent arrears may be charged after 14 days.

2.23 Any sums requiring apportionment will be apportioned on a daily basis.

2.24 If the Tenant terminates the Tenancy other than in accordance with the terms of this agreement, legal costs may be payable.

2.25 To make good all damage or breakages during the term.

2.26 To clean or pay for the professional cleaning of carpets, furniture and curtains soiled during the Tenancy.

2.27 Not to damage or remove furniture and effects without written consent.

2.28 If the let includes furniture and effects, they shall be as specified in an Inventory signed by the Tenant.

2.29 If any goods belonging to the Tenant have been removed at expiration, damages and costs may apply.

2.30 Tenant remains responsible for paying rent even if in receipt of Housing Benefit.

2.31 Not to throw prohibited items into lavatory cisterns or waste pipes.

2.32 Not to install cable television or telephone without consent.

2.33 Not to become voluntarily bankrupt.

2.34 To notify the Landlord of any notices from competent authorities.

2.35 To promptly forward any legal notices delivered to the Property.

2.36 To promptly forward any mail not addressed to the Tenants or neighbours.

2.37 Not to allow the Property to be used as a postal address by anyone apart from the Tenant.

2.38 To keep all electric lights in good working order.

2.39 Fridge/Freezer appliances, where provided, are to be maintained and kept in good working order.

2.40 Washing Machine, Washer/Dryer or Dryer, where provided, are to be maintained and kept in good working order.

2.41 Cooker/Oven and Hob, where provided, are to be maintained and kept in good working order.

2.42 Not to use the Premises for illegal, immoral or improper activities.

2.43 Not to redecorate any part of the Premises without written consent.

2.44 To keep all vents extractor fans and ventilation ducts clean and free from obstruction.

2.45 During the last 2 months of the Tenancy, to permit viewings by prospective Tenants or Purchasers upon reasonable notice.

2.46 Not to hang or affix objects to walls except with prior written consent and recognised picture hooks.

3 THE LANDLORD AGREES:

3.1 The Tenant shall have exclusive possession and may quietly possess and enjoy the Property during the Tenancy.

3.2 Not to harass or unlawfully evict the Tenant.

3.3 Where applicable to pay maintenance charges reserved by any superior lease.

3.4 To return to the Tenant any rent paid for any period while the Property is rendered uninhabitable or inaccessible by reason of fire, flood or other accident covered by insurance.

3.5 To keep in repair the structure and exterior of the property including drains, gutters and external pipes.

3.6 To keep in repair any installations for space heating and water heating.

3.7 To keep in repair any installations for sanitation.

3.8 To keep all appliances and electrical equipment provided at the start of the Tenancy in good repair and working order.

3.9 To clean the property prior to the commencement of the Tenancy.

4 THE SECURITY DEPOSIT:

4.1 The Security Deposit will be held by a member of the rent deposit scheme for the duration of the Tenancy.

4.2 The Tenant will have to pay for and provide proof of a professional clean at the end of the tenancy.

4.3 The Deposit will be returned to the Tenant at the end of the Tenancy after agreed deductions.

4.4 If the Tenant vacates without giving required notice or is in breach of this Agreement, they may forfeit the Security Deposit.

4.5 The Landlord may deduct unpaid rent or other monies from the Security Deposit.

4.6 The Landlord may retain the Security Deposit until utility and council tax charges are paid in full.

4.7 Deductions may be apportioned in such priority as the Landlord shall see fit.

4.8 If the Landlord sells the Property, the Security Deposit may be transferred to the purchaser.

4.9 In the absence of a claim within 21 working days of termination, all sums outstanding will be repaid.

4.10 Disputes may be referred to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

5 UTILITIES AND LIABILITIES:

5.1 The Tenant is responsible for direct payment of utilities, telephone, council tax and other charges during the Tenancy.

5.2 The Tenant consents to the Landlord advising councils and service suppliers of the Tenant’s responsibilities.

5.3 The Tenant must not change the Electricity provider without the Landlord’s written consent.

5.4 If services are cut off through default of payment, the Tenant accepts liability for reconnection costs.

5.5 The Tenant agrees to pay for a television license if required.

5.6 To cancel subscriptions and settle all bills in full at the end of the Tenancy.

5.7 To redirect mail at the end of the Tenancy.

6 INVENTORY:

6.1 The Landlord will prepare or pay the reasonable costs associated with the Inventory.

6.2 If using an external Inventory company, the Tenant will pay all cost associated with the Check-In.

6.3 If using an external Inventory company, the Landlord will pay all cost associated with the Check-Out.

6.4 If the Landlord requires an Agent to conduct the Check-In and/or Check-Out, the Landlord will pay associated costs.

6.5 The inventory shall be final and binding evidence of the contents and condition of the Property.

6.6 The Tenant will attend the Inventory Check-In.

6.7 The Tenant will attend the Inventory Check-Out.

6.8 Where possible, the same parties will be present at the Inventory Check-In and Check-Out.

6.9 At Check-Out the parties will agree items present and undamaged.

6.10 Within 21 days of the end of the Tenancy the Landlord shall provide an estimate of any sums due.

6.11 Either side may refer the issue to an independent Inventory Clerk.

7 INSURANCE AND SECURITY:

7.1 The Landlord is obliged to arrange Buildings insurance and Contents insurance for supplied items.

7.2 The Tenant is obliged to arrange Contents insurance for their own possessions.

7.3 The Tenant agrees to reimburse the Landlord for any excess sum up to £100.

7.4 The Tenant must inform the Landlord forthwith if an insurance incident arises.

7.5 If the Property is to be left unoccupied for longer than 21 days the Tenant must inform the Landlord in writing prior to departure.

7.6 The burglar alarm in the Property has been disconnected and will not be used by the Tenants during the Tenancy.

7.7 Whenever the Property is left unattended, the Tenant must fasten securely all dead locks or other locks and bolts.

7.8 The Tenant agrees not to change the locks unless in an extreme emergency or with written consent.

7.9 The Tenant agrees not to do anything which may void or increase insurance premiums.

7.10 During the winter months and at any time as necessary the Tenant must take reasonable precautions to avoid freezing damage.

7.11 To return all keys at the termination of the Tenancy.

8 Rent review and notice provisions apply as stated in the Agreement.

9 The Landlord will review the rent after twelve months and may adjust it subject to agreement.

10 Where the Tenant comprises more than one individual the agreements are joint and several.

11 The Tenant may be required to provide a Guarantor.

12 STAMP DUTY:

12.1 Where applicable, the tenant/s will be responsible for paying Stamp Duty Land Tax.

13 DATA PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY:

13.1 Letting Agents may share details for referencing, utility, council tax, mortgage, debt chasing and fraud prevention purposes.

14 TERMINATION AND BREAK CLAUSE:

14.1 The Landlord may bring the Tenancy to an end by giving no less than TWO calendar months written notice.

14.2 In the case of death, a notice period of 30 days can be given by the deceased’s representative.

14.3 The Landlord is obliged to give a minimum of TWO calendar months written notice of termination after the end of the term.

14.4 The Tenant is requested to give ONE calendar month written notice of termination after the end of the term.

15 FORFEITURE AND RIGHTS OF RE-ENTRY:

Important: If either party to this agreement is unsure of their rights or require further clarification of this clause, they should consult a solicitor or their local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 the law gives the Tenant protection against arbitrary or immediate termination of their rights to occupy the Property.

15.1 If rent remains unpaid for 14 days after becoming due or if there is a breach of any term or condition of this Agreement, the Landlord may re-enter the property subject to court order.

Ground 8, Ground 10, Ground 11, Ground 12, Ground 13, Ground 14, Ground 15 and Ground 17 may apply as set out in the Agreement.

Additional Information