Law on Landlord keeping copies of Tenancy Agreement?

[laprice26]

Hi There,

 

I was wondering if someone can help me please?

 

I'm about to take my landlord to court, the (most vital!) piece of evidence I am missing is the copy of the tenancy agreement. I signed 3 of these during my overall tenancy, and each time he told me he would "make a copy and post it to you". he never did...

 

Am I right in thinking by law he has to keep copies of these in any case?? Does anyone know the law on this please??

 

Thank you! x

[raydetinu]

they should give you a copy at the time of signing it, they are legally obliged to do this. Ask for a copy under a subject access request format.

[laprice26]

Hi There!

 

Thank you for replying - it was a private landlord, not an organisation- does this make a difference?

 

Thank you! x

[Czechoslovakia]

Hi There!

 

Thank you for replying - it was a private landlord, not an organisation- does this make a difference?

 

Thank you! x

 

 

I am a "private landlord".

 

Generally you will have a short assured tenancy in Scots law - but it differs in England - but will still normally be some form of assured tenancy.

 

The information on these things is pretty dire - but Shelter offers good legal advice for each part of the country.

 

Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity - choose your location

 

They also have a free phone number you can call - and its free from most mobiles too as its a charity.

 

0808 800 4444

 

The standards from many landlords are dire too. Many tenants I have had have been surprised when I return their deposits at the end of their stay, based on previous experience.

 

I was under the impression I should keep copies of everything for three years - as that is what the income tax people had said was relevant for small scale letting, but I felt six years was a better bet.

 

There is a difference between your landlord having something - and to letting you have it if it works against them.

 

Where are you?

 

Lastly - you can increase any threat to your landlord (if he is dodgy) as generally, they or the property is not registered under a local authority landlord registration scheme, or they will not bother to have gas inspections done (which can carry a £5000 fine and six months in prison - but sadly HSE only bother when someone in a let without this is killed.

[Kentish Lass]

I am a "private landlord".

 

Generally you will have a short assured tenancy in Scots law - but it differs in England - but will still normally be some form of assured tenancy.

 

Why have you assumed that OP is in Scotland?

[Kentish Lass]

Hi There!

 

Thank you for replying - it was a private landlord, not an organisation- does this make a difference?

 

Thank you! x

 

No, this should not make any difference. If LL is letting a property, it is a business and of course you should have had a copy of any agreement you signed. Suggest you do as raydetinu has suggested and see how you get on.