Lease wording for pets

thenap80

I am using online Openrent to let a property. They have a nice and neat contract that I will be using, however it is generic and the wording for the part I have issue with is:

9.4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Landlord, to pay for all gas, electricity, water and sewerage
services consumed on or supplied to the Premises during the Term, and for all charges made for the use of the
telephone (if any), TV licence (if any), TV service (if any), and Internet service (if any) during the Term. This
includes standing charges and other similar charges and VAT, as well as charges for actual consumption.

However, the central heating and hot water is from a communal boiler which is covered by the service charge that I the landlord will be paying still. How do I reflect this is the contract. A clause at the end... how would I word that professionally?

Also, I need to allow pets, and the contract at the moment states none unless written agreement. Can the written agreement =be in the form of another clause. And how best to word it?

boo_star

If you're paying for the hot water and central heating then surely you just delete the "gas" part?

As far as pets go I'm not sure why you'd need to add another clause to the "unless with written agreement part." If you don't want them to have a dog but you're OK with a goldfish then just say no if they ask to have a dog and yes of they ask to have a goldfish?

thenap80

The contract is not editable in the section where it would be nice to simply delete 'gas'! So I guess I need to write something into the Clause section. I would just like some pointers on how best to word it professionally.

Pets - I want to allow the tenant to have two dogs. SO again, need to write something professional sounding into a clause section

thenap80

Also, I do not to make an inventory. But will be leaving the white goods. No where is this specifically mentioned in the contract so should I put a clause in about leaving white goods and who is in charge of repair/replace.

What happens if they are not mentioned in the agreement and no inventory is made?

Bossypants

thenap80 wrote: »

Pets - I want to allow the tenant to have two dogs. SO again, need to write something professional sounding into a clause section

Why? The clause says 'except by written agreement', so all you need to do is write your tenants a letter (or email or text message if necessary, but ideally a letter, of which you keep a copy to file with the contract) stating 'I hereby allow you to keep two dogs for the duration of your tenancy'. It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.

davidmcn

thenap80 wrote: »

The contract is not editable

Then use one which is.

need_an_answer

Why are you not having an inventory?

You're leaving yourself as a LL very exposed if any damage is caused by your tenant particularly if there are 2 dogs involved too.

Without an inventory you will have to give back the full deposit no questions asked even if they strip all your fixtures,fittings,carpets and white goods from the property!

thenap80

davidmcn wrote: »

Then use one which is.

Can't as it is being signed online through OPENRENT and payment made through them. Keeping them as the middle man so needs to go through them on their portal.

thenap80

need_an_answer wrote: »

Why are you not having an inventory?

You're leaving yourself as a LL very exposed if any damage is caused by your tenant particularly if there are 2 dogs involved too.
Without an inventory you will have to give back the full deposit no questions asked even if they strip all your fixtures,fittings,carpets and white goods from the property!

I trust them wholeheartedly

davidmcn

thenap80 wrote: »

Can't as it is being signed online through OPENRENT and payment made through them. Keeping them as the middle man so needs to go through them on their portal.

So just add something saying they also need to pay for the heating element of the service charge.

thenap80

davidmcn wrote: »

So just add something saying they also need to pay for the heating element of the service charge.

I'm not asking them to. I am paying that. I just want to know if there is any special way of writing it up or is a simple "Tenant does not need to pay for gas as this is covered by service charge paid by Landlord." okay.

My question really has been how to write a clause. Is it simple English or do I need to start it in a certain way that gives it precedence over the main body of the AST. i saw one that started "Notwithstanding..." then went on and on! Is that necessary?