Both landlords and tenants across the UK are increasingly being urged to seek specialist advice in regards to tenancy agreements, after a worrying survey conducted by Direct Line for Business revealed that a large number of UK landlords were making their tenants sign illegal and outdated documents.
Direct Line’s frightening study found that 58 per cent of independent landlords were using ‘adapted tenancy agreements’ re-written from out-of-date estate agent documents.
One in ten private landlords surveyed were found to have had no formal tenancy agreement in place with their tenants at all, and several British landlords were urging tenants to sign illegal documents – 20 per cent of which were self-written documents adapted from outdated contracts downloaded online.
Many private landlords were completely unaware that the material they were using was no longer compliant with British legislation.
Michael Cook, lettings managing director at Romans estate agents, reminded both parties of the importance of seeking specialist advice in confusing situations.
“The lettings industry has changed dramatically over the past 18 months and it’s imperative that landlords stay up to date with all the legislation changes in order to protect their tenants and their investments,” he said.
“These changes must be reflected in the tenancy agreements and approved by a legal professional.
“Choosing an unlicensed letting agent can lead to all manner of problems for both tenants and landlords because there is no strict code of practice they must follow.”
Meanwhile, Christine Smith, of Brookstones Property Solutions, urged landlords: “With current legislation as it is, it is important to be vigilant in this industry and know where your obligations lie”.
The fears highlight the importance of both landlords and tenants seeking the relevant legal advice when in doubt.