Different types of tenancy agreements for flat sharers

If you are considering flat sharing be aware of what type of tenancy agreement you are getting yourself into.

There are 3 different types of tenancy agreements.

1)      Joint tenancy agreement

2)      Sole tenancy agreement

3)      Lodger's agreement

Lodger’s agreement

You will normally be given this agreement if you are living in a property where you share with the landlord. With this agreement you really don’t have much right to anything. Yes you only have your share of the rent to worry about but ultimately if the landlord wants you out etc. you don’t really have much of a leg to stand on.

Joint tenancy agreement

With this tenancy agreement you are actually sharing the responsibility to ensure every single flat mate pays their rent on time. This tenancy agreement can be dangerous to get yourself into as you are liable for every single flat sharer. If someone decides to move out of the property before the end of the tenancy agreement expires you will be liable for their share of the rent. If your flat mate defaults on their share of the rent you will still be equally liable to ensure the landlord or agent receives the full rent. Our advice is to try and avoid this contract although this is a common tenancy agreement landlords use to protect themselves.

Sole tenancy agreement

This is the best kind of tenancy agreement to have as even if your flat mate decides to move out before the tenancy agreement expires you can rest assure that the defaulting on their share of rent will not affect you and will be the landlord or agents issue to deal with. With this agreement all you have to focus on is yourself and ensuring that you pay your share of the rent and that’s all!