Information for landlords and tenants in England and Wales

 

    T   A   S            Tenancy Agreement Service

Home Property Glossary FAQs Site Map Contact Us
 

  Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements

  Assured Shorthold Tenancies

  What is a tenancy agreement?

  Can I use a verbal tenancy agreement?

  >>  Changing a tenancy agreement

  Tenancy deposit protection schemes

  Ending Tenancies

  Ending a tenancy agreement

  Section 21 notice to quit

  Section 8 notice to quit

 Tenants Rights

  Tenants rights in an assured shorthold tenancy

  Landlords and tenants repairing obligations

  Noise and nuisance issues

  Rent increases and the section 13 notice

  Discrimination in tenancy agreements

 

 

General Information

Changing a tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement cannot usually be changed unless both parties agree to the changes made.

If both parties agree the change should be recorded in writing either through drawing up a new tenancy agreement or by amending the existing agreement.  There are many reasons for changing or updating a tenancy agreement such as if:

  • The landlord would like to increase the rent

  • The landlord would like to change the specific terms of the agreement e.g. allowing a guide dog for a disabled tenant.

  • The tenant wishes to transfer their tenancy to a member of their household, who has lived with them for more than one year

  • The tenant would like to share the responsibilities of the tenancy through having a joint tenancy

A verbal agreement can also be changed but will often lead to problems. If an oral agreement is amended then the changes are harder to prove, with no written documentation. If the change is made verbally evidence of the change of agreement will usually be reduced to the fact that both parties accepted the changes.  For example, this could be accepting a variation to the rent received/paid. However, witnesses to the new agreement being accepted can also act as proof of the changes.

It is always safer to ensure that any changes in the rental agreement are recorded in the form of a written document.

Landlords are required to make reasonable efforts to change a tenancy agreement if failing to do so would impinge on the tenants’ right to not be discriminated upon based on sex, disability, religion or sexuality. An example of this would be if a tenant became disabled the landlord would be expected to make changes to the tenancy agreement to allow the tenant to make disability related improvements to the property. 

It is important that before signing a tenancy agreement that the tenant understands the vocabulary and terms used.  If necessary the tenant should ask for an explanation of any unfamiliar terms before agreeing to the tenancy and signing the agreement.

 

 

counter hit xanga
 
   

Website Disclaimer     Privacy Policy     Contact     Additional Legal Information

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of the information provided on this website, Tenancy Agreement Service will not be held liable or responsible for any loss, damage or other inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within the pages of this website.

Copyright © Tenancy Agreement Service, All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction of any part of this website's content is illegal without our permission.