If you’re renting a property in Lancaster, your landlord, or letting agent, has a responsibility to supply you with several important documents. Here's what you should expect to receive:
1. Your Tenancy Agreement
One of the most important documents is your tenancy agreement. This contract is either a digital or written document setting out your tenancy’s legal terms. Typically, these agreements are drafted up and signed by both landlord and tenant before your tenancy begins. The agreement must detail:
- Names of all parties
- Property address
- Tenancy beginning and end dates
- How much the rent will be
- How the rent should be paid
- Deposit amount and how the landlord will protect it
- Landlord and tenant’s obligations
There may also be clauses included about subletting, pets, common area or garden rules, rent reviews, and permitted occupiers. You should always read the agreement carefully before you sign so you are familiar with your rights and responsibilities during your tenancy.
2. A “How To Rent” Guide
This government document must be supplied to every tenant by their landlord, or letting agent, before the date their tenancy starts.
3. Information About Your Deposit Protection
If your tenancy is an AST (assured shorthold tenancy), your deposit has to be protected and registered in a tenancy deposit scheme. Within a 30-day period of receiving your deposit, your landlord is legally required to give you deposit prescribed information including details of how much you paid, the property’s address, contact information for the administrator of the scheme, and the tenant and landlord’s address, name, and contact information.
4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
To be let out legally, a rental property must have an EPC (energy performance certificate) with a rating of E or higher. The EPC graph, or full document, should be available to view on the property advertisement, with a full copy being provided to you before you move in.
5. EICR
The EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report assesses the property’s electrical systems for safety and efficiency. This report must be arranged before your tenancy starts and if you haven’t seen yours, you have the right to request a copy.
6. Gas Safety Record
When your rental property has had its gas appliances and fittings inspected, its gas safety record will be issued and this document must be given to your before your tenancy begins. Make sure you’ve checked the certificate expiry date for validity.
7. The Inventory
This tenancy document outlines all of the contents of the property along with their condition. While it isn’t legally required, it’s strongly recommended that landlords supply an inventory to their tenants including details of ceilings and walls, fittings and fixtures, flooring, windows and doors, kitchen appliances and units, bathroom facilities, gardens, and outbuildings (if applicable), and furniture (if fully or partially furnished).