Unsigned agreement
Question
I have been renting a house since December 2003. The estate agents didn't get me to sign a rental agreement. What rights do I have as a tenant?
Answer
It's important to establish what type of tenancy you have, as this will affect your rights. You will have exactly the same rights regardless of whether you have a written contract or a verbal agreement with your landlord. However, if you would prefer to have something in writing there may be options open to you.
If you are renting your home through an estate agency and your landlord lives elsewhere you are likely to have an assured short hold tenancy. This is the case for the vast majority of people in this situation.
If your tenancy started after 28 February 1997 you have the right to ask your landlord to provide a statement of terms of your tenancy. The information that must be provided is:
- The start date of the tenancy;
- The amount of rent and when you have to pay it;
- How and when the rent may be changed;
- The length of any fixed term.
If you ask for this information your landlord has to provide it within 28 days. If you have problems getting this information, you may want to get further help. You could contact your local Shelter Housing Advice Centre or Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) for advice if this happens.
Updated: 22/09/2008
Question answered by Shelter
