Your tenants have passed referencing and its now time to get your agreements drawn up and signed. "Portfolio" is great for this as you will be able to access the NRLA tenancy agreements and send them to your tenants for signing via the portal.
If you are not sure what type of Agreement you should be using then you can check out more information here. You can also seek clarification from the NRLA Landlord Support team.
The next steps would be to set up the tenancy on "Portfolio", and what follows will explain just how easy it is to do.
Do I have to use the NRLA tenancy agreement?
The NRLA tenancy agreement is up to date and completely compliant with the latest legislation so that you will have peace of mind that what the tenant is signing is appropriate. You are not required to use the NRLA agreement but it is recommended.
These agreements set out the obligations that you and your tenant are expected to follow during the lifetime of the tenancy, so it is important that both parties understand what is expected of them.
Having a clearly drafted tenancy agreement that matches the type of tenancy granted is the best way of ensuring both parties understand these obligations.
Can I add my own clauses?
The NRLA agreements are designed to be comprehensive documents that are regularly checked by our Policy department. We understand that on occasion you may want to add specific clauses that reflect the quirks or circumstances of your agreement with the tenant.
When this happens portfolio will allow you to add those extra clauses when drafting out the agreement.
We offer an addendum agreement as well as some suggested clauses you may wish to include, and guidance on what to consider when drafting these clauses as they must be fair.
You can find more information here
We have created a linked article here which goes into more detail, allowing you to copy and paste them into your new agreement on Portfolio
How do I create a tenancy on Portfolio?
Make sure your details are correct, as this information will be used for your tenancy agreement.
You will then have the options for using your own agreement or an NRLA tenancy agreement.
Follow all the steps , adding all relevant information including any "special/additional" clauses.
Once completed you will have the option to receive a test version which we would recommend so you can check all the information is correct or you can send the email straight to the tenants for signature.
The tenant will be notified by email but you may want to give them a message or a call to let them know.
- Check the property is ready to be let - https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/pre-tenancy/property-conditions-checklist
- Book/carry out the inventory - https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/creating-your-tenancy/inventory-schedule-of-condition
- Arrange a move in appointment
- Collect the first months rent and deposit - your payments section on Portfolio will confirm what needs to be collected
- Send any welcome pack to them including details of deposit protection, prescribed information and certificate