The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and the tenants. It specifies certain rights to both you and the tenants, such as the tenants' right to live in the property for the agreed term and your right to receive rent for letting the property.

Assured Short hold Tenancy Agreement (AST)
Since the late 90's, the AST has been the most common form of tenancy agreement and sets out the obligations of both tenant and landlord. The most important aspect of this agreement is that the landlord has the right to repossess the property at the end of the agreed term. Despite its name, the agreement does not have to be short and can continue as long as both parties are happy for it to do so. There is no minimum term specified, either, although the tenant has the right to remain in the property for at least six months. If the fixed term is for three or more years, however, a deed must be drawn up by a solicitor.

There are specific requirements linked to an AST that include:

• The tenant(s) must be an individual (i.e. not a company) 
• The property must be the main home of the occupant 
• The property must be let as separate accommodation.

The landlord is normally obliged to provide the tenant with two months' notice if they want to terminate the agreement.

The agreement will most likely contain the following information:

• Your name, the tenant's name, the address of the property which is being let 
• The date when the tenancy will commence 
• The duration of the tenancy from the start to the agreed finish of the occupation 
• The amount of rent payable, how often it should be paid, when it should be paid and when it can be legally increased 
• The agreement should also state what other payments are expected, including Council Tax, utilities, service charges, etc. 
• What services as landlord you will provide, such as maintenance of common areas 
• The notice period which you and your tenants need to give each other if the tenancy is to be terminated. 

The landlord inventory
This is one of the most important documents in the letting process. It details the contents of the property you will be leaving for the tenants to use and the condition they are in on the day the tenant moves in. It should also include any existing cosmetic blemishes, such as peeling wallpaper or flaking paint. You should be extremely thorough and give it your full attention.

On the day the tenant moves in, both the tenant and agent (or you, if you're letting privately) will be expected to agree the exact condition of the contents of the property. All parties will initial each page and sign it. Make sure every party has a copy of the signed document. This should avoid any unnecessary disputes about any damage that may be caused by the tenant during the tenancy.

When should the property inventory be checked again?
It is recommended that the landlord/agent schedule regular three-monthly inventory checks at the property in order to assess any damage that may have occurred. You must provide the tenant with sufficient notification of your intention to visit the property for this purpose (24 hours should be sufficient). It is most common, however, for a final inventory check to be scheduled on the day the tenant moves out.

The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and the tenants. It specifies certain rights to both you and the tenants, such as the tenants' right to live in the property for the agreed term and your right to receive rent for letting the property.

Assured Short hold Tenancy Agreement (AST)
Since the late 90's, the AST has been the most common form of tenancy agreement and sets out the obligations of both tenant and landlord. The most important aspect of this agreement is that the landlord has the right to repossess the property at the end of the agreed term. Despite its name, the agreement does not have to be short and can continue as long as both parties are happy for it to do so. There is no minimum term specified, either, although the tenant has the right to remain in the property for at least six months. If the fixed term is for three or more years, however, a deed must be drawn up by a solicitor.

There are specific requirements linked to an AST that include:

• The tenant(s) must be an individual (i.e. not a company) 
• The property must be the main home of the occupant 
• The property must be let as separate accommodation.

The landlord is normally obliged to provide the tenant with two months' notice if they want to terminate the agreement.

The agreement will most likely contain the following information:

• Your name, the tenant's name, the address of the property which is being let 
• The date when the tenancy will commence 
• The duration of the tenancy from the start to the agreed finish of the occupation 
• The amount of rent payable, how often it should be paid, when it should be paid and when it can be legally increased 
• The agreement should also state what other payments are expected, including Council Tax, utilities, service charges, etc. 
• What services as landlord you will provide, such as maintenance of common areas 
• The notice period which you and your tenants need to give each other if the tenancy is to be terminated. 

The landlord inventory
This is one of the most important documents in the letting process. It details the contents of the property you will be leaving for the tenants to use and the condition they are in on the day the tenant moves in. It should also include any existing cosmetic blemishes, such as peeling wallpaper or flaking paint. You should be extremely thorough and give it your full attention.

On the day the tenant moves in, both the tenant and agent (or you, if you're letting privately) will be expected to agree the exact condition of the contents of the property. All parties will initial each page and sign it. Make sure every party has a copy of the signed document. This should avoid any unnecessary disputes about any damage that may be caused by the tenant during the tenancy.

When should the property inventory be checked again?
It is recommended that the landlord/agent schedule regular three-monthly inventory checks at the property in order to assess any damage that may have occurred. You must provide the tenant with sufficient notification of your intention to visit the property for this purpose (24 hours should be sufficient). It is most common, however, for a final inventory check to be scheduled on the day the tenant moves out.