"Official" Tenancy Agreement framework

grubby23

Hi all,

I am applying for a Visa in India, and for proof of residency in the UK,
they are asking for a tenancy agreement. I am living with a private landlord,
there is no such a thing as some kind of official agreement, so I would like to set one up that I can than hand in at the embassy.

Is there like a free tenancy agreement framework that I could just simply print and sign, that would be great.

Many thanks!

BitterAndTwisted

If you are living with a private landlord in their home then what you are looking for is a lodger's agreement. I believe there is a template on the LandlordZone site. I believe that both you and the landlord will need to sign it as that is the very nature of an agreement.

grubby23

I see, but for my Visa application I need a signed tenancy agreement. So basically that is something different, and cant be provided by a private landlord?

BitterAndTwisted

When you said "I am living with a private landlord" did you mean that you have already secured some accommodation here and would be living in the same property as your landlord or not?

grubby23

Yes, it is the same property as he is living in, essentially, I have the top floor flat for myself. We have not really a written arangement, however, the Indian embassy wants for proof of residence a tenant agreement, so I was hopeing I could set this form quickly up.

BitterAndTwisted

If the flat is self-contained (own kitchen and bathroom) then you should ask your landlord to issue you with a tenancy agreement which they have signed and dated and then send it to you. Upon receipt you sign it and then supply it to the embassy.

If it is not self-contained then you will need a lodger's agreement also dated and signed.

tbs624

grubby23 wrote: »

Yes, it is the same property as he is living in, essentially, I have the top floor flat for myself. We have not really a written arangement, however, the Indian embassy wants for proof of residence a tenant agreement, so I was hopeing I could set this form quickly up.

Is the top floor flat entirely self contained or do you share any of the LL's living quarters? First would mean you are a Tenant, second would mean you are a Lodger and, as B&T has indicated, these are subject to different types of agreement

G_M

If you live with, and share facilities with, your landlord, you will be a 'lodger', not a tenant. So a tenancy agreement would not be appropriate.

If the top floor flat is self-contained and you have exclusive use (not shared with the LL) then you are a tenant.

Either way you would be wise to ask your landlord for a written agreement (lodger agreement or tenancy agreement). This is sensible irrespective of your visa issue.

Tenancy agreements acn be bought from WH Smiths (not recommended), or from legal stationers.

Solicitors will also draw them up, and most Landlord Assocatiations also provide them to landlords who are members.

There are also various free versions available on the internet.

But whichever is used, it is sensible for both landlord and tenant to ensure the document is appropriate - there are many very poor examples in circulation!

Speak to your landlord!

RLA (Residential Landlord’s Association - mixed reviews)

NLA (National Landlord’s Association)

Landlordzone

or try Google?

grubby23

Thanks guys for all the feedback. Actually, I am living at this place for years and had never an issue with my landlords. The purpose of this tenancy agreement is solely for visa application. In the top floor I have my own kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, so the facilities I share with my landlords are the staircases and it is open plan the top floor flat.

I have no idea how these visa guys will check this tenancy agreement, because in some way a friend with his own house could just fill such a thing out and say I stayed in the cellar for instance. All a bit dubious, but might be my only option to get quickly hold of this Indian Visa

BitterAndTwisted

Don't worry, they will check. Via various routes but especially with the Land Registry.

grubby23

The thing is, neither me nor my landlords went to the police to officially register me, so not sure how this Land Registry should have information about me. On the other hand, I am on the electoral role, hopefully that helps.