Checklist to View before Signing a Rental Contract

Checklist to View before Signing a Rental Contract

Once you have located an ideal rental property, it is time to sign on the dotted line of the tenancy agreement. Do not get into a legally binding contract casually. Print out the agreement, take out time, read it thoroughly, and raise your concerns before you finally sign. A legal contract is always a binding between both parties that sets out the legal terms and conditions of your tenancy, what you can do and cannot do, how long your tenancy will last, and what will be included in your rental package.

If you are renting a house for the first time, looking through this kind of contract and reading all terms and conditions might seem like a minefield. Though, in the following post, we will highlight the significant points that you need to verify before signing the legal contract.


Moreover, before moving into any rental property, you will be required to pay a certain amount in the name of the deposit. A tenancy agreement sets out the needed deposit amount and how it will be protected. Always have a mediator to be sure your deposit is safe, and you will get it back at the end of the term of the tenancy agreement if you do not damage the property and pay your dues within time.


A rental contract should outline what the rental amount covers, such as some rental prices cover council tax or bills, while others do not include this facility. In the latter case, you will be responsible for paying your utility bills and other facilities like broadband and landline phone. The tenancy document obviously states the rental amount as well as information on how and when the rent should be paid. Furthermore, the contract should also highlight who will be responsible for any maintenance or repair of the property.

Special Clauses

In order to minimize the possibilities of disputes in an agreement, it is a wise move to go through your tenancy document thoroughly to know your obligations as a tenant and what rules you must follow. For example, does the landlord allow pets inside the rental house or not? What are your commitments at the time of leaving this house, such as, you can leave as it is or you will have to hire professional cleaning services to clean the entire place? How do you send the rental payments, and what will be the last date to pay your rent? These are the type of questions that should not be just negotiated but must be put down in writing to avoid any further confusion or even disputes in some cases.

Making Changes

This point might prove to be overwhelming for first-time tenants because most of them get excited to move into a new house that they rarely give a second look to the agreement and face issues later during the term. If you require clarification about any point of the agreement, you should ask your landowner. You can seek level advice from the real estate agent or lawyer, too, in case you find something difficult to comprehend. Your landowner cannot discriminate on any basis, so if you feel like changing any clause or point in the agreement, you can talk to the real estate agent or landowner before signing the contract.

Moving into a new perfect home is always an overwhelming experience, but do not forget to go through your rental agreement, as it includes loads of valuable information, and it needs precise scrutiny.