Before signing an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement in the UK, tenants should understand these three critical aspects:
Tenancy Terms and Obligations: Carefully review the AST to understand the duration (fixed term, usually 6 or 12 months), rent amount, payment schedule, and any additional fees (e.g., for late payments). Check your responsibilities, such as maintaining the property, and the landlord’s obligations, like repairs. Ensure clarity on notice periods and conditions for ending the tenancy early. Deposit
Protection and Inventory: Confirm that your deposit (typically 4-5 weeks’ rent) will be protected in a government-approved scheme (e.g., DPS, MyDeposits) within 30 days of payment. Request an inventory or schedule of condition, detailing the property’s contents and state, to avoid disputes over damages at the end of the tenancy.
Rights and Protections: Know your legal rights, including the right to a safe and habitable property (landlord must address hazards like damp or faulty electrics). Verify the property has required certificates (e.g., Gas Safety, EPC). Understand eviction rules—landlords must follow proper procedures (e.g., Section 21 or Section 8 notices) and cannot evict without court approval. Always read the agreement thoroughly and seek clarification on unclear terms before signing.
Landlords, check out theindependentlandlord.com