A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant. It sets out everything that a landlord and a tenant have agreed to about the tenancy.

Tenancy agreements must be in writing, and the landlord must give the tenant a copy before the tenancy starts. However, even if there is no formal agreement in writing, the Residential Tenancies Act still applies. Landlords and tenants can’t avoid their obligations by not putting their agreement in writing. Tenants should read the tenancy agreement carefully before they sign it. This includes all the terms and conditions. If there’s anything they don’t understand, they should seek advice before they sign.