- Put every important term in writing, including rent, duration and repairs.
- Read the whole document and ask questions before you sign.
- Keep a signed copy and proof of every payment.
The Short Answer
A tenancy agreement protects both the tenant and the landlord. It turns spoken promises into written terms that either side can point to if a disagreement arises. Never move in on a handshake alone. This guide is general information, so have a lawyer read your agreement.
The Basics
The agreement should name the landlord and tenant, describe the property clearly and state the start date and length of the tenancy. It should state the rent, how often it is paid, how it is paid and what happens if payment is late.
Check that the person signing as landlord is the owner or has written authority to act for the owner.
Money and Deposits
List every amount you must pay, such as rent, agency and legal fees, caution deposit and service charges. Ask whether any deposit is refundable and under what conditions. Get a receipt for every payment, signed and dated.
Ask what happens to the rent if the property becomes unusable through no fault of yours.
Repairs and Rules
The agreement should say who handles repairs and who pays for what. Minor upkeep often falls to the tenant and structural repairs to the landlord, but the document should state it clearly. Include rules on subletting, pets, business use and alterations.
Record the condition of the property at move-in with dated photos and attach them to your copy.
Ending the Tenancy
State the notice each side must give, how renewals work and when rent may be increased. Check how disputes will be handled and which law governs the agreement.
Keep a signed copy, ask for stamping or registration where your state requires it and file all receipts in one folder.
Clauses People Often Overlook
Check the clause on rent increases during the tenancy, because some agreements allow changes with short notice. Look at who pays for service charges, waste disposal, security and generator fuel in shared buildings.
Read what the agreement says about early exit. If you may need to leave sooner, ask what notice and penalty apply, and whether you can find a replacement tenant instead.
Red Flags Before You Sign
Be careful if the landlord refuses to give you a written agreement, asks for payment before you see the property, or will not show proof of ownership. Be careful too if the document contains blank spaces to be filled in later.
Never sign a document you do not understand. Ask for a day to review it, and take it to a lawyer or an experienced person if the terms are unclear.
What to Do If There Is a Dispute
Start with a calm conversation and follow up in writing, quoting the clause you are relying on. Keep all messages, receipts and photos in one place.
If you cannot agree, consider mediation through a neutral person, a community leader, or a lawyer, before going to court. Do not withhold rent or change the locks without legal advice, because that can weaken your position.
Action Checklist
- Confirm the landlord owns or represents the property
- Read every clause and ask about anything unclear
- List all fees and get signed receipts
- Agree who handles which repairs
- Take dated photos at move-in
- Keep a signed copy and register it if required
