What to Look for in a Tenancy Agreement (Before You Sign)

Most people spend more time choosing a sofa than reading their tenancy agreement. But this is the document that governs where you live, how much you pay, and what happens to your deposit. Signing without reading it properly is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes renters make.

Here's what to look for before you put pen to paper.

1. Deposit amount and protection

Your landlord can charge a maximum of five weeks' rent as a deposit (or six weeks if your annual rent is over £50,000). More importantly, they must protect it in a government-approved scheme — the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme — within 30 days of receiving it. Check that your agreement names the scheme, or at least commits to using one.

2. Rent amount, due date, and how it can increase

The agreement should clearly state how much rent you owe, when it's due, and how you're expected to pay it. Look carefully at any rent review clause — some agreements allow landlords to increase rent with just a month's notice, while others require longer.

3. Your landlord's repair responsibilities

The law requires landlords to maintain the structure of the property, heating systems, hot water, gas, and electrical installations. But some agreements try to water this down or shift responsibilities onto the tenant. If your agreement says the landlord is only responsible for the “structure and exterior,” ask them to clarify what that includes.

4. Notice periods

How much notice do you need to give to end the tenancy? How much notice does your landlord need to give you? Standard terms are one month from you and two months from your landlord, but this varies. Under the new Renters' Rights Act, the notice period rules are changing — see our guide below.

5. Restrictions on how you use the property

Can you keep pets? Have a flatmate? Work from home? Many agreements include restrictions on these — some standard, some unusual. Make sure you understand what you're agreeing to.

6. Clauses that seem unusual or one-sided

Watch out for clauses that require you to pay for things your landlord is legally responsible for, or that try to limit your rights as a tenant. If a clause feels wrong, it might be.