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10 June 2026Five common tenancy agreement mistakes to avoid
From missing deposit protection to unclear clauses — the errors that cost landlords most.
Tenancy Agreements
A well-drafted tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant.
Here are five mistakes to avoid.
- Not protecting the deposit - deposits must be protected in an approved scheme within 30 days; penalties are up to 3x the deposit.
- Vague maintenance clauses - unclear responsibilities lead to disputes. Specify who handles what.
- Skipping an inventory - without a detailed check-in inventory, damage claims are hard to enforce.
- Wrong notice periods - the notice required depends on the tenancy type and grounds used.
- Forgetting mandatory documents - How to Rent guide, EPC, gas safety certificate and deposit protection certificate must all be served.
Matriva generates compliant periodic tenancy agreements and tracks all mandatory documents for each property.
