Rental Agreement Template for England and Wales

A Rental Agreement sets out the legal terms between a landlord and tenant for renting a property in England and Wales. It spells out everyone's rights and responsibilities, covering key points like rent payments, deposit protection, maintenance duties, and the length of the tenancy.

Most residential rentals use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement, which gives tenants the right to live in the property for a set time while protecting landlords' interests. The agreement must follow UK housing laws, including rules about safety certificates, deposit schemes, and the landlord's repair obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

Use a Rental Agreement anytime you're letting out a property in England and Wales - from a studio flat to a house. This legal safeguard becomes essential before handing over keys to new tenants, protecting both parties from day one of the tenancy.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when renting to students, sharing properties with multiple tenants, or offering furnished accommodation. It helps prevent disputes by clearly documenting important details like utility responsibilities, pet policies, and maintenance arrangements. Having one in place becomes crucial if you need to enforce rental terms or end a tenancy through legal channels.

• Month To Month Lease Form: Offers flexibility with no fixed end date, ideal for temporary arrangements
• Sub Lease Contract: Allows existing tenants to rent out part or all of their rented property to another person
• Lease To Purchase Agreement: Combines renting with an option to buy the property later
• Rental Extension Agreement: Extends an existing tenancy beyond its original end date
• Home Rental Application Form: Screens potential tenants before creating the main rental agreement

• Landlords: Property owners who create and issue Rental Agreements to protect their interests and outline tenant responsibilities
• Letting Agents: Professional intermediaries who draft and manage agreements on behalf of landlords
• Tenants: Individuals or families who sign the agreement to gain legal right to occupy the property
• Guarantors: People who agree to cover rent payments if the tenant defaults, often required for student rentals
• Property Management Companies: Firms handling multiple properties who standardize and oversee rental agreements for landlords
• Legal Advisors: Solicitors who review and modify agreements to ensure compliance with housing laws

• Property Details: Gather full address, property type, and included fixtures/fittings
• Tenant Information: Collect names, contact details, and references for all occupants
• Rental Terms: Set rent amount, payment dates, deposit amount, and tenancy duration
• Legal Requirements: Check current EPC rating, gas safety certificate, and deposit protection scheme
• House Rules: Document policies on pets, smoking, decorating, and garden maintenance
• Template Selection: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that includes all mandatory elements
• Review Process: Double-check all details and ensure both parties understand their obligations

• Party Details: Full legal names and addresses of landlord and all tenants
• Property Description: Complete address and detailed inventory of included items
• Term and Rent: Clear start date, duration, rent amount, and payment schedule
• Deposit Terms: Amount, protection scheme details, and conditions for return
• Maintenance Duties: Specific responsibilities for repairs and upkeep
• Legal Notices: Right to Rent checks, How to Rent guide acknowledgment
• Break Clauses: Conditions for early termination by either party
• Tenant Obligations: Rules about subletting, alterations, and permitted use
• Signatures: Dated signatures of all parties, with witness provisions

A Rental Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in several key ways, though both are common in property transactions. While a Rental Agreement establishes the direct relationship between landlord and tenant, an Agency Agreement outlines the relationship between a landlord and their letting agent.

• Primary Purpose: Rental Agreements govern property occupation and tenant rights, while Agency Agreements define the agent's authority to manage properties and find tenants
• Party Relationships: Rental Agreements bind landlord and tenant directly; Agency Agreements create a professional service arrangement between landlord and agent
• Duration: Rental Agreements typically run for fixed terms (6-12 months), while Agency Agreements often continue until terminated
• Legal Scope: Rental Agreements focus on occupancy rights and responsibilities; Agency Agreements cover marketing, tenant screening, and property management duties