About this student "tenancy" agreement
This agreement creates a licence to live in a property, rather than a “tenancy” in the legal sense. Whilst it is very suitable for student let arrangements, it can also be used in circumstances where the “tenant” or “tenants” are not renting under a single agreement (e.g. migratory workers).
A licence agreement can be used where the landlord is also living in the same property and renting out rooms to fellow students to pay the mortgage, or where students occupy a bedroom each and share common facilities and space under their own individual agreements (if they aren’t renting as a group).
This student “tenancy” agreement can be reused for different tenants and for different properties.
The law relating to this student "tenancy" agreement
A license is usually the best type of agreement to create a student let arrangement for a number of reasons:
- Using a license agreement such as this one, the landlord has far greater right to visit the property and check that it is in good condition. A tenancy agreement grants rights to privacy that makes spot inspection much more difficult.
- A license agreement allows the landlord to end the occupation far faster and in far more situations than with a tenancy agreement. If a student isn’t treating the property or his fellow housemates in the right way, his “tenancy” can be ended fast.
- While a tenancy agreement can be created for a short term period (such as the university year), the notice requirement to end the arrangement is much greater for both sides than if a license agreement was used. If your tenants are fairly relaxed or disorganised, you or they might find that they move out much later than either party originally intended.
- The landlord living in the same property as the “tenant” is one of the circumstances under the Housing Acts that automatically invalidates use of an assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
- Charges for services such as electricity, water and gas can be included in the rent payment and the accounts kept in the landlords name. This can help ensure that bills are paid on time and that services aren’t disconnected during short tenancies, or if the student tenants fail to pay on time.
- Where each student has his or her own “tenancy” agreement for a room and shares common space such as a kitchen and a bathroom with other students, a license should be used. Tenancies can only be granted for whole properties.
Other points
A licence should be granted on a short-term basis and renewed as necessary. Make sure the term is no longer than twelve months, and renew as often as necessary. You could use this agreement to rent a room on a per term basis only.
If you are claiming tax free rent allowance under the Rent-a-Room scheme the property must be your principal private residence. We suggest you seek tax advice if the rent you receive is above the threshold. You can still use this student “tenancy” agreement if the property is not your principle private residence but you will live there for some of the time.
When to use this agreement
This student “tenancy” agreement can be used in the following circumstances:
- An owner landlord renting out a spare bedroom (to a stranger or a friend or a couple)
- A student owner landlord renting multiple rooms in a property to other students
- A non-resident landlord renting more than one bedroom to different students, each with their own license agreement
- For any type of property: flat, house, bungalow
- Use to sub-let a room if you rent under a tenancy agreement (subject to your agreement allowing sub-letting)
It is not suitable if:
- The lodger will run a business from the property
- The student will occupy the whole property by themselves and the landlord lives elsewhere.
Other possible agreements to create a student let
We have other agreements that you could use to let your property to students:
Use an assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST): furnished house to rent a house to a collection of students who will take tenancy together (e.g. a group of friends) and where the landlord will not live in the house.
Use an assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST): furnished flat if the property is a flat instead.
Agreement features and contents
- Includes sensible, practical provisions to protect the landlord’s interests
- Full description of the property and the services that the lodger should expect to receive
- All likely provisions for restrictions on what the lodger may do in the property
- Rent period and amount
Reasons to buy from Net Lawman
Full money back guarantee – buy with confidence
This student “tenancy” agreement comes with a no questions asked full money back guarantee. You take no risk that it might not be right. Once you buy it, we’ll give you 30 days to evaluate it in any way you want. If for any reason you’re not happy, just e-mail us and we’ll refund your money in full immediately.
Guidance notes included - prior legal knowledge is not required
Comprehensive guidance notes, written by the author of the document, are included. These notes ensure that you don’t need to be a lawyer or have knowledge of the law to understand which paragraphs you should edit to complete the agreement.
Minimal editing required
This student “tenancy” agreement has been written specifically in such a way that you don’t need to spend hours editing it. It uses an approach where you remove the sections that aren’t applicable to you, so you don’t have to add any back, write your own, or worry about whether you are using correct legal language.
Paragraphs have been written to stand alone from each other. Removing one that isn’t applicable to your circumstances doesn’t affect the standing of any other in the agreement.
Plain language minimises future disagreements
Your student “tenancy” agreement is real law written in plain language that all parties will understand. This will minimise the likelihood of later disputes.
If a dispute does arise and you find yourself in court, the judge will look more favourably on a legal agreement written in plain language over one peppered with complicated legal jargon. Your case will be stronger if it is clear that both sides understood the agreement when it was signed.
Buy once – re-use again and again
You can use the license agreement as many times as you like. Whether you have more than one “tenant” at any time, or you rent a single room to many people over time, just create a new document from the master version.
Delivered straight to your inbox
As soon as you complete the secure checkout process, we will send your student “tenancy” agreement straight to your inbox. We will also keep a copy for you for 60 days in our customer area so you can access it even when you are away from your e-mail.
Still unsure whether this is the right document for you?
If you are unsure whether this student “tenancy” agreement is suitable for your particular circumstances, then you have two options. The first is to buy now, evaluate the agreement, and use the 30 day, full money back guarantee to obtain a refund if it isn’t suitable. You take no risk in seeing the agreement. The second option is to contact us and ask. We can’t offer you legal advice on your situation, but we can help you find the document you want. We aim to respond to your question within 24 hours. |
