Once you have found a property you wish to rent, the next stage is to sign a contract which specifies the monthly rent, the move in date and when the contract comes to an end. The contract can be written or verbal, but written is better as it provides you with tangible proof if anything is to go wrong. There are different forms which this contract can take but all are legally binding:

1. Licence to Occupy – This agreements will state the basic rules regarding the rental agreement – start and end date, date rent must be paid, rental amount. In these kinds of agreement the landlord or specified persons are able to enter the flat, for example the cleaner, as required.
2. Individual Tenancy – This is usually directly between the landlord and the tenant, and is commonly used for tenants who are moving in at different times. It states that you are only responsible for your personal room in the accommodation, although you can of course use the shared communal rooms. It provides protection from landlord random checks – under this agreement notice must be given if s/he wants to visit the property.
3. Joint and Several Tenancies – In this instance all the names of the tenants will be stated on the rental agreement. This ensures that no one person is to blame should any defaults occur in relation to bill payment or rent. It additionally ensures that landlords can’t enter their rented property without notice being given.

The rental agreement may only be issued once specific checks have been undertaken by the landlord or agent – for example credit reference checks. Tenants may be required to pay a deposit or bond to the landlord that they can use as protection against damage occurring in their property. An agent may ask for fees when they are acting on your behalf but they can only issue these once you have found accommodation to which you are moving into. The citizen’s advice bureau has more information about what rental agreements can and cannot consist of - citizensadvice.org.uk .

Leavinghome.info is a site aimed at helping young people who are moving out of their family home and has information about everything to do with renting including a detailed explanation of the legal terms used by landlords.