X templates every landlord needs

Renting out property comes with quite a few responsibilities, and keeping on top of these duties can get pretty time-consuming – even if you outsource some of the work to a lettings agency or estate agent.

But an easy way to reduce your workload is to use pre-built templates. Adapting an existing draft can save you the time (and money) it takes to create contracts or documents from scratch – and using a template from a reputable source can help make sure everything’s in order.

Here are X templates that can make your life just a little bit easier.

Model assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreement

In the UK, the most common type of tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). When you enter into an AST, you’ll need a contract or agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.

While both written and verbal AST agreements are legally binding, you’ll often be advised to use a written contract, as verbal contracts can be more difficult to enforce and it can be tricky to prove what was agreed to.

The UK government has produced a model agreement for a shorthold assured tenancy, which you can download and fill in according to the terms you’ve agreed with your tenant.

Using an AST agreement template can be cheaper than hiring a lawyer to draft a contract from scratch. But it’s a good idea to get a legal professional to look over your agreement to check that everything’s in order – make sure you do this before anyone signs the contract.

Once you’ve got a finalised AST agreement, both you and your tenant need a signed copy. You’ll need to keep these copies safe so you can refer to the contract throughout the tenancy.

Pet clause and pet policy templates

Pet-friendly lets are pretty controversial. But if a tenant is moving a four-legged family member into your property, it’s a good idea to use a pet clause.

A pet clause outlines the terms and conditions your tenant must meet in order to keep a pet and can be supplemented with a longer, more detailed pet policy. Together, these documents provide a level of protection for your property and can keep you, your tenant and their pet happy.

For new tenants, any pet clause or policy should be included in your initial tenancy agreement. If you accept a current tenant’s request for a pet, you should add the clause or policy to your existing contract with an addendum.

Check out Dogs Trust and Cats Protection for pet clause templates and example pet policies that you can use as a foundation.

Example guarantor agreement

Guarantors are pretty widely used in the UK rental market. They’re responsible for paying a tenant’s rent (and potentially covering additional costs for property damage) when the tenant is unable to pay themselves.

If you’re thinking about using a guarantor, you need to make sure that your rental contract outlines the guarantor’s obligations. This includes:

• What they’re liable for paying
• How long their liability lasts
• What happens in the event of a rent increase or contract change.

In the case of a shared tenancy, your contract should also explain whether the guarantor is liable for all costs or just one tenant’s share.

A few different estate agents have published example guarantor agreements to illustrate what this might look like. A quick Google can help you find them. But be careful not to use anything without permission, and to get an expert's opinion before asking a guarantor to sign anything.