31 July 2026
5 Clauses to Watch For in a UK Tenancy Agreement
Signing a tenancy agreement is exciting — but it's also a legal contract, and not every clause in it is fair or even enforceable. Here are five things worth checking before you sign.
1. "The tenant is responsible for all repairs"
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to keep the structure, exterior, and key systems (heating, water, electrics) in good repair — regardless of what the contract says. A clause trying to shift this responsibility entirely onto you isn't valid, no matter how it's worded.
2. Excessive or vague cleaning fees
Watch for clauses requiring "professional cleaning" at the end of the tenancy as a blanket condition. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England can't charge a mandatory cleaning fee just for ending a tenancy — you only need to leave the property as clean as it was when you moved in.
3. Restrictions that go beyond reasonable
Some agreements include unusually strict rules — banning visitors after a certain time, restricting normal household noise, or requiring permission for everyday activities. While landlords can set reasonable rules, overly controlling clauses are often unenforceable and can be a red flag about how the tenancy will be managed.
4. Deposit terms that don't mention protection
Your deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days of receiving it. If the agreement doesn't reference deposit protection at all, that's worth asking about directly before you sign. See our guide to deposit protection for the full rules.
5. Automatic rent increase clauses without proper notice
Some contracts include clauses allowing the landlord to increase rent at will. Legally, landlords must follow proper notice procedures (typically at least one month for periodic tenancies, or via a Section 13 notice). A clause that skips this process isn't valid.
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