When you`re renting a property, one of the most important things you`ll need to do is sign a tenancy agreement. This legal document outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including how much rent you`ll pay, when it`s due, what you can and can`t do in the property, and how long your tenancy lasts. However, one question that often comes up is: who signs the tenancy agreement first? Let`s take a closer look.
In most cases, it`s the tenant who signs the tenancy agreement first. This is because the tenant is usually the party who is seeking to rent the property, and the landlord or letting agent will want to review and approve the tenant`s information before signing themselves. This allows the landlord to perform background checks, credit checks, and other due diligence to ensure that the tenant is a reliable and trustworthy renter.
Once the tenant has signed the tenancy agreement, it will be sent to the landlord or letting agent for their review and signature. The landlord or letting agent may make changes or add additional clauses to the agreement, and it`s important for the tenant to review these carefully before signing the final version of the document. Once both parties have signed the tenancy agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract that sets out the terms and conditions of the tenancy.
It`s worth noting that there may be exceptions to this general rule depending on the specific circumstances of the tenancy. For example, in some cases, the landlord may require the tenant to sign the tenancy agreement first as part of their vetting process. Alternatively, if the tenant is subletting a room in a shared property, the order in which the tenants sign the agreement may be less important than ensuring that all parties are in agreement about the terms of the tenancy.
In conclusion, when it comes to signing a tenancy agreement, it`s generally the tenant who signs first. However, this may vary depending on the specifics of the tenancy arrangement. Regardless of who signs first, it`s important for both parties to carefully review and understand the terms of the agreement before signing, to ensure a smooth and trouble-free tenancy.