Renting without a tenancy agreement

BBen

I'm looking for a new room in a shared house, and I've found somewhere that sounds pretty good - close to work and with cheap rent (and no deposit!?).

I'm in the process of arranging a viewing with the guy I would be sharing with.

I asked what kind of tenancy it would be and he said that he's lived there a few years but has never had a tenancy agreement. Apparently he has a good relationship with the landlord who lives a couple of doors down and is good with repairs.

If I like this place, could someone tell me what the implications of not having a tenancy agreement would be?

Should I ask the landlord if I can have one?

Are there any other questions I should ask the landlord - I was thinking whether or not he has a gas safety certificate might be one of them?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

rev_henry

Yes, just ask the landlord to draw one up (he can just download a standard one from the internet). Yes ask for the gas safety certificate - you're legally entitled to a copy, or for it to be prominently displayed in the house.

RAS

Assuming England and Wales? Scottish law is very different.

You do not NEED a tenancy agreement; you would be covered by statute law whatever happens. The only downside being that the LL can give you notice to leave (2 months) although they cannot take legal action until you have been there 6 months.

If there is no deposit then the deposist schemes are not an issue.

Gas Safety certficate should be provided.