Why you have to be careful amending tenancy agreements – Part 2

In my last article on amending tenancy agreements, I talked about the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations.

I explained why landlords need to be careful about amending pre-drafted clauses in tenancy agreements, or indeed adding their own, as they may fall foul of these regulations.

However, this is not the only reason why landlords should avoid amending tenancy agreements without advice. Here are four other things to watch out for.

1 Conflict and confusion

You need to be careful to avoid two or more clauses covering the same point as this will be confusing for users.

Remember also that if there is a dispute at court the Judge will probably take the first clause which may not be the one you would prefer.

So if adding a new clause, make sure that there is not already something on the point in your agreement.

2. Double meaning and ambiguity

The English language is very rich and we have many words which have a double meaning – this is the basis of much of our humour. However, this makes it very difficult for the legal draftsman.

In the heat of the moment, it is all too easy to fail to see an alternative meaning to the words that you use in a clause. Often it is only after you come back to read something after a period of time, that you see it.

If you are aware of this possibility and try to watch out for it, this will help.

3. Specific examples reducing the scope of general clauses

It is impossible to cover everything that a tenant may do in a property which you do not want, and so clauses are often very wide so as to encompass as much as possible.

Landlords though often want to include more specific items. For example not using blue tac on walls. The trouble about this though is that by doing this you run the danger of your clause being interpreted more narrowly in the context of your example.

One way to avoid this is to use wording such as “for example (but not limited to ) …”

4. Overcomplex clauses

If you are including a clause where a landlord or a tenant (and remember the clause may be void under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations if it is unequal and favours landlords over tenants or vice versa) has to do something, you need to make it clear what it is they have to do.

These clauses need to be as clear and as straightforward as possible. I have seen some clauses which were so complicated that it impossible to comply with them properly at all.

For example, it is best to avoid complications such as requiring a notice to be served on a particular day, or to be served in a particular way.

Conclusion

You need to think clearly when drafting and try to avoid doing things in a hurry.

I would also advise leaving your document for a few days after you have done it, and come back to it again with fresh eyes. You will often spot things you failed to notice at the time.

Getting someone else to look at it and let you know how they would interpret it is also a very good idea.

Or you could leave it to the professionals …