Moving to a new country for further studies is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of new responsibilities and concerns like finding an ideal student accommodation, completing formalities, signing a tenancy agreement, and much more.
The tenancy agreement is an essential document required at the time of moving to the student housing property on rent. In this blog, we will be providing you with an idea before you sign an agreement. Keep reading further for detailed information about it.
Table of contents
What is a Tenancy Agreement?
A tenancy agreement is a type of contract signed between the tenant and the landlord. It outlines the terms and conditions of your rental, including the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Always be sure to read and understand the tenancy agreement document before you sign it.
There can be two main types of tenancy agreements i.e., individual tenancy agreements and a joint tenancy agreement. The individual tenancy agreement is the most desirable one which is signed between two individuals, one is the tenant and the other is the landlord. A joint agreement is mostly signed in the case of shared apartments where the group is responsible for collective rent payments.
Key Terms in Tenancy Agreement
There are several key terms you should be aware of before signing a tenancy agreement. Check some of the basic key terms and mind these while signing the contract.
- Tenant and Landlord:
- Tenant: That’s you, the person renting the property.
- Landlord: The owner of the property you’re renting from.
- Rent: The amount of money you agree to pay regularly (usually monthly) for the property.
- Deposit: A security deposit is an amount you pay upfront or in advance. It is generally one month’s rent, which is held by the landlord in case of damages or unpaid rent.
- Term: The duration of the rent for which the agreement will last, such as six months or a year.
- Utilities: Most of the time utilities including services like electricity, water, gas, and sometimes internet are included in the rent of the property. Don’t forget to check in the tenancy agreement whether it is included in the rent or if you need to pay for the utilities separately.
Further Read: If you are planning to move to the UK, then you must read Cheapest Cities to Live in the UK for International Students!
Important Clauses in Tenancy Agreement
There are some important clauses in the tenancy agreement you should be aware of. Be sure to check out the below-mentioned clauses in your contract of tenancy before signing it.
- Rent Payment Details: Always be sure to check out the rent payment details like how much, when, and how you should pay the rent. You should know and note the exact date it’s due and the method of payment.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Try to find out who is responsible for fixing things if they break. Generally, landlords handle major repairs, but you might be responsible for minor issues.
- Rules and Regulations: This can include rules about having guests, keeping pets, noise levels, or maintenance of the property.
- Termination Clause: This explains how either party can end the tenancy agreement. Always check out the notice period you need to give if you want to move out early.
Also Read: You may also be interested to know about the best Museums in the UK!
Tips to Consider Before Signing Tenancy Agreement
When you are moving into student accommodation in the UK or a student living in the USA or any other country, be sure to check the tenancy agreement properly before you sign it. Check out some of the important tips you should consider to sign a tenancy agreement.
Before agreeing to anything, visit the property to ensure it’s in good condition and meets your needs.
- Take your time to read every part of the tenancy agreement. Don’t rush this step.
- If anything is unclear, ask the landlord or someone else for clarification.
- Many universities have
- Always keep a signed copy of your tenancy agreement. You might need to refer to it later.
- Adhere to the terms of the agreement to avoid any disputes.
- If you have any issues, communicate with your landlord promptly.
- Consider getting renters’ insurance to protect your belongings.
- Document the condition of the property when you move in (photos/videos) to avoid disputes over the deposit when you move out.
- Know whom to contact if there’s an emergency, like a plumbing issue or a power outage.
Also Read: Let us help you accelerate your accommodation hunt! Check out the best student accommodations in the UK!
FAQs
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between the tenant which will be you as a student and your landlord. It outlines the terms of your rental and includes various specifications like the rent of the accommodation, duration of your stay, and other important details.
Signing a tenancy agreement protects both you and the landlord from any future complications. It clearly states the responsibilities and rights of each party, helping to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.
Key things you should check in a tenancy agreement include:
– Rent amount and due date
– Deposit details
– Duration of the tenancy
– Cost of utilities included or not
– Rules for maintenance and repairs
– Termination conditions
A security deposit is money you pay in advance which is usually one month’s rent that the landlord holds in case of damage to the property or unpaid rent. It’s usually refundable if there are no damages or issues when you move out.
Check the termination clause in your agreement and then only sign it. Often, you need to give notice for one or two months or you might end up losing the security deposit that was taken from you at the time of the agreement.
Hope you liked reading our blog about tenancy agreements. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
Follow Us on Social Media
