The Dangers of a DIY Tenancy Agreement

Type ‘tenancy agreement’ into Google and you’ll get thousands of results offering free online templates and guides to writing your own rental contract.

The Dangers of a DIY Tenancy Agreement
So why bother using a letting agent to sort out the tenancy agreement if you can do it yourself? What could possibly go wrong?

Well, quite a lot. Hastily downloading a template from the internet and high-fiving yourself for a job well done could prove to be a costly mistake.

It might not become apparent for months or even years, but if you get into a dispute at the end of a tenancy, or want to regain possession of the property, you could find your contract is worthless.

In this quick read, we look at the dangers of a DIY tenancy agreement.

Legally unsound

Incorrect legal terms, illogical clauses, confusing wording… all of these can cause problems when a tenant moves out or challenges something in the contract. There have also been many changes to renting rules over the last few years (with more set to take effect soon), which could render your DIY agreement useless. 

Using an agent with access to a properly drafted, legally sound, up-to-date tenancy agreement can save you a fortune in stress, hassle and expense in the long run. 

Other legal requirements

At the beginning of a tenancy, landlords must provide the tenant with a number of important documents – not just a tenancy agreement. These include gas and electrical safety certificates and information about the relevant deposit service the landlord uses. 

A freestyling approach to establishing a tenancy could mean you fail to get this paperwork right – an outcome that could invalidate whatever tenancy agreement you do have. This means any dispute will be even more protracted and expensive.

Notice periods 

The same applies to serving notice. If the tenancy was set up incorrectly without all the paperwork provided to the tenant, it could invalidate any notice you serve. Are you up to date with all the recent rule changes to notice periods? An agent definitely will be. 

Setting up a DIY tenancy agreement might seem like a way to save money, but in the long run, you could be left seriously out of pocket. Protect your investment, and let Allen Residential do the hard work for you. Contact us today on 01761 412 300. 

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Meet Our Founding Director James

Meet Our Founding Director James

James Allen is the founding director and owner of Allen Residential. James started in estate agency back in 1997 and after working for a couple of strong independent estate agencies he established Allen Residential in 2005 Keen to invest back into his team, James is dedicated to ensuring that each team member at Allen Residential is a key part of the business, emphasizing the importance of their contributions. His leadership style highlights the significance of a cohesive and dedicated team, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The business has flourished in recent years, thanks to the staff's commitment to excellence and the implementation of effective systems. James' appreciation for his team’s hard work and dedication is evident, making Allen Residential a thriving and dynamic company.

Why choose Allen Residential?

Why choose Allen Residential?

With an owner who has 35 number of years experience in the industry and 20 years of company history, we bring knowledge, reliability, and expertise to every property transaction.

Our approach is casual and professional, aiming to form personal connections with the people we work with instead of treating them as a number.

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