Joint tenancies can be fun and a great way to expand your social circles. They also help reduce your monthly outgoings and spread the financial risk for landlords.More people are renting in the UK than ever before. Tenants are looking at exploring various rental agreements that suit their needs. A joint tenancy, where multiple tenants rent a property together, has benefits, drawbacks, and legal implications, so here are a few things to consider. What is a joint tenancy? A joint tenancy is a rental agreement that involves two or more tenants sharing a single tenancy agreement for a property. Each tenant is equally responsible for the entire property, including rent and any obligations outlined in the tenancy agreement This arrangement is ideal for professionals, groups of friends, students, or couples who wish to live together and share the responsibilities and costs associated with renting a property.
Pros of joint tenancies
- Shared bills
Sharing rent, utility bills, and other living expenses makes life easier. This frees you from a larger financial burden, giving you a higher disposable income. So, whether you are saving to buy a property or want to enjoy life, you can.
- Less administration
With a joint tenancy agreement, administrative processes become more straightforward. With only one agreement, any correspondence with your landlord or letting agent can be carried out together.
- A good social scene
Sharing a tenancy agreement is often a great way to live with your friends and enjoy a more full social scene. And if you don’t want to live alone, it could also create the opportunity to make new friends or companions.
Cons of joint tenancy
- Shared responsibility
The downside is that if one or more tenants fail to pay their share of the bills or break the terms of the tenancy agreement, the others may be held responsible. This can cause friction among housemates.
- Damage to the property
In a joint tenancy, all tenants are collectively liable for each other's actions. If one tenant damages the property or breaches the agreement, all tenants could be held accountable for the costs.
- Disagreements
Potential issues can include disagreements over chores, noise from music or guests, and respecting each other's space, to name a few.. Disagreements can arise, and this may cause arguments or a fallout.
- Legal considerations
It’s vital that you know where you stand legally.
- Ending your tenancy
If one tenant wishes to leave the property, the tenancy usually continues for the remaining tenants. However, arrangements can sometimes be made to replace the departing tenant or end the tenancy altogether.
- Deposits
The deposit provided by tenants is often held collectively. When the tenancy ends, the deposit is returned to all tenants jointly, which could cause issues if there are disputes over damages or cleaning costs.
Tips for tenants to consider when entering a joint tenancy:
- Communicate
Discuss important issues with your housemates.. You may not like to set ground rules, but a quick chat about who is responsible for what can prevent friction.
- Your tenancy agreement
It's crucial for all tenants to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, as it is legally binding.
- Prepare for the unexpected
It’s important to plan and ensure that your housemates can cover the rent in case of unexpected circumstances.. Be prepared for unexpected circumstances, like one of your housemates leaving unexpectedly.
- Exit Strategy
If one tenant wishes to leave the property, the tenancy usually continues for the remaining tenants. However, arrangements can sometimes be made to replace the departing tenant or end the tenancy altogether.
- Choose a property through a letting agent
A shared tenancy has many advantages, but if you want to safeguard yourself from the pitfalls of this kind of living arrangement, a good letting agent is the way to go. From replacing a tenant, understanding your agreement to maintenance, you will be in a better place using an agent. If you're a landlord, opting for a fully managed letting service can significantly simplify your responsibilities..
Contact us today, whether you are renting or letting, to see how we can help
