AST- can I copy precedent from book and modify it?

[T.M.]

Hi to everyone.
My first time here and also a new landlord! I would like to ask a question about Assured Tenancy Agreements. Is it ok to just copy a blank one from a Book to use with tenants? Can i make any additions to it or changes to it? Would appreciate any help on this. Thanks.

[Dan]

Hi T.M.,

Unless the book says its okay to copy their examples I would be careful that you don't infringe copyright. This is a legal document and could end up in court one day (..being pessimistic). I'd hate to present a case around an illegally copied document just to save a few pennies.

[JDO]

Try www.lawpack.co.uk

They are relatively cheap to buy and cover most things you will need.

Good luck.

JDO

[P.Pilcher]

You can also try the solicitor's favourite source for such documents: www.oyezformslink.co.uk their documents are very reasonably priced and downloadable in .pdf format.

There is nothing to stop you altering and amending such a form if you wish, and wheras tenants may comply with the requirements in your modifications, if they don't you may expensively find that in law that your modifications are not enforceable for a number of different reasons. A search on the old forum will produce loads of information and useful tips on such matters.

P.P.

[Dan]

You can purchase the Law Pack version at WH Smiths or Rymans which would give you the chance to look it over first.

[T.M.]

A big thanks to all who replied their information.
I obviously want to do it all right but this info from you all really helps point me in right direction. And where to even consider looking.

I copied the AST out of a book that actually stated its a blank sample in its Appendices. It said that it was ok to use. I only added couple of things at the bottom of it, E.G. that if rent was in arrears then i may have to charge a fee for any written correspondence.
Just that i didnt know that you could add things like that and how so.

But as most of you have pointed out, i will look into the web sites you gave and the law pack also.
Many THANKS for your points, its a big help.

[Paul_f]

:rolleyes: Ha! I still see that people are paying for AST's when a decent search on the internet will find you a free one! Don't ask where, just look! Whilst I'm more than capable of writing my own, those that need a little help don't need to part with £25 or so. Join the Resident Landlords Association which will cost you only £5 and you have free access to every form you want and legal advice too!

[Andy Parker]

I'm sure it's good value but five pounds isn't free!

[Ericthelobster]

:rolleyes: Ha! I still see that people are paying for AST's when a decent search on the internet will find you a free one! Don't ask where, just look! Whilst I'm more than capable of writing my own, those that need a little help don't need to part with £25 or so. Join the Resident Landlords Association which will cost you only £5 and you have free access to every form you want and legal advice too!

It'll actually cost you £75 to join the RLA! They used to provide their AST agreement free to non-members, then they upped it to £5, but AFAICS it's no longer available at all to non-members.

However, until someone cottons on, it's still available free at http://www.tenantdocs.co.uk/RlaAst2004Free.pdf !

[Dan]

I thought that £5 seemed very reasonable. Still, I guess we can reclaim the £75 against tax.

[T.M.]

Thanks for ur suggestions and web sites to try, guys n girls. Its really helpfull. Even £5 is nothing really. MAny thnks again.