Right to a copy of a tenancy agreement before signing.

SmashedAvacado

In my view it is 100% standard market practice to be given a copy of the legal document to look at before you are asked to sign it. The agent has no justification whatsoever in not sending it in advance so the renter can review what he is about to sign up to be bound by. This kind of behaviour by agents needs stamping out - the tenant here isn't being awkward - they just want to be very clear on what their obligations might be. Any agent not understanding this is totally dumb. Any landlord using an agent like this is asking for trouble - in that its best for your tenants to be clear on what they are signing up for and having any discussions about what you can / can't do in connection with the tenancy before it has started.

Michael_Walker

I largely agree with you, Smashed Avacado, but my query was really about whether or not the agent was actually obliged to do this rather than whether or not it made good business sense. From what others have said, it appears not.

SmashedAvacado

Probably not.

you could make them contractually obliged to by contacting the landlord direct and indicating that you really want to rent but the agency won't let you review the contract properly - and ask the landlord to tell the agency to release it to you for those purposes.

theartfullodger

Actually even after signing an AST and moving in, paying rent, you ain't in England (different in Scotland.. sensible country..) to a copy of the tenancy agreement.



But you are then entitled to a statement of the terms.. see
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/assured_shorthold_tenancies_with_private_landlords

....
Written statement of terms

If your landlord doesn't give you a contract you can ask for a written statement of the basic terms of your agreement.
Your landlord must provide the following information in writing if you request it:

• start date of tenancy
• rent payable and rent due date
• any rent review clause
• the length of any fixed term agreement

You also have the right to the name and address of your landlord....

So, in answer to your original question no, you are not entitled to a copy. But any landlord or agent who won't provide a draft copy - certainly after paying a holding deposit - should be treated with great suspicion.