When it comes to renting a property, one of the most important documents you`ll need is a tenancy agreement. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, outlining everything from rent payments to the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. However, the question of who pays for the tenancy agreement is one that often arises, with many people unsure of their obligations. In this article, we`ll explore who typically foots the bill for a tenancy agreement.

Landlords

In most cases, it is the landlord who pays for the tenancy agreement. This is because the document is essentially a legal contract between the landlord and the tenant, and it is therefore considered to be their responsibility to draw it up. As the landlord stands to gain financially from the rental, it is generally expected that they will cover any associated costs.

That being said, there are some instances where a landlord may try to pass the cost of the tenancy agreement onto the tenant. This is not standard practice and is generally considered to be unfair and unreasonable. It is important to check your tenancy agreement carefully before signing to ensure that you are not being asked to pay for any costs that are the responsibility of the landlord.

Tenants

While it is rare for tenants to be responsible for paying for the tenancy agreement, there are some situations where it may be applicable. For example, if the tenant has requested certain amendments or additions to the standard agreement, they may be required to cover the cost of the changes. Additionally, if the tenant has employed a lawyer to review the agreement on their behalf, they will be responsible for paying their legal fees.

It is important to note that if a landlord tries to pass on the cost of the tenancy agreement to the tenant, this is not enforceable and should be challenged. The landlord is legally obliged to provide a tenancy agreement and should not be attempting to charge the tenant for something that is their responsibility.

Conclusion

In most cases, the person who pays for the tenancy agreement is the landlord. As the party who stands to gain the most from the rental arrangement, it is considered their responsibility to draw up the agreement. If a landlord attempts to pass on the cost of the tenancy agreement to the tenant, this is not enforceable and should be challenged. Tenants may be required to pay for amendments to the agreement or legal fees associated with reviewing the document, but this is not standard practice and should be negotiated between the parties involved.