The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract setting out the rights and responsibilities of both landlord and tenants.
As a general rule most new tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies. Tenants who moved in before February 1997 may have greater security of tenure. If you are not sure about the status of your tenancy, you should seek further advice.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy
There is no minimum or maximum term. (Most landlords offer a fixed term of at least six months, but a landlord may offer a much longer term).
It is good practice for your landlord to give a written tenancy agreement to be signed by all parties at the start of the tenancy. If this is not given you can ask for a statement of the terms of the tenancy which must include the following:
- Tenancy commencement date.
- How much rent is payable.
- Rent due date.
- Rent review date.
- Length of tenancy.
Notice seeking possession
Can my landlord simply tell me to move out?
No, your landlord must serve you a legally valid notice in writing. The type of notice and time scale depend on why they are asking you to move out. You do not have to leave the property until the landlord has got a court order to evict you, otherwise they may be evicting you illegally.
If you receive anything from your landlord, for further advice contact:
Housing Options Service:
- Telephone: 01422 392460
- Email: housingoptions@calderdale.gov.uk
Joint tenancies
If you sign a joint tenancy agreement then you will have joint and several liabilities for the rent and other charges. If one tenant leaves the tenancy then the remaining joint tenants will become liable for that tenant's share of the rent.