How long should a tenancy agreement be?

A tenancy agreement does not need to be long or written by a lawyer to be useful. One page covering the right things protects both sides far better than nothing, which is what most people currently have.

What belongs on it

• The full names of both parties, and their phone numbers
• A clear description of the property
• The monthly rent, and the date it is due
• The advance paid, and the period it covers
• Any caution paid, and what it covers
• What is included — water, electricity, security
• Who is responsible for which repairs
• The duration, and the notice period on both sides
• The date, and both signatures

Both sides keep a copy

Signed, dated, and photographed on both phones. That last step takes ten seconds and has settled a great many arguments.

When to involve a lawyer

For a room or a modest flat, a clear one-page agreement is proportionate. For a commercial property, a long lease, or anything involving significant sums, get it drafted properly.