Signing a tenancy
Signing a tenancy agreement is a very important step in setting up in a new country or city. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document so it is critical that you understand what you are signing up for. Most agreements will have the following;
- Break-clause periods (usually after 6 months for both parties)
- Notice period for termination
- Grounds for termination
- Bond cost
- Inventory costs (process of checking in and out of a property)
- Special conditions like having guests stay over, pets, smoking rules, garden maintenance
- Rental figure payable each week
It is important to have a tenancy agreement in place because they provide basic consumer and resident protection. Most countries have government bureaus and departments that deal with residential complaints.
Having a tenancy agreement in most European, Australasian and North American countries means that landlords are unable to kick you out or charge over-inflated rent. Again, best to check with the residential authorities in a particular country to see what your rights actually are.
Guarantor
Some landlords or agents acting on an owner’s behalf may ask for a guarantor (to pay in case you default on rent). This tends to be standard practice, especially in circumstances when you have not secured permanent work. A parent or guardian is usually sufficient to act as a guarantor but it is important that they fill out all relevant paperwork.