Can you sign contracts 4 weeks before move in date

Landlord Discussion
1

Hello,

Our tenant wants to move in 5th July. She put the holding deposit on 10 days ago and we have completed referencing and started the contract process. Normally we sign contracts on the day of moving in. We have been told that contracts should be signed within 14 days of putting holding deposit down. Can we all sign now then wait to request deposit and first month’s rent until 5th July? Also, what happens if we sign and then wish to change move in date?

Thanks

Kathryn

1 Like
2

I would not advise you to sign contract until date of move in
Anything could go wrong

Always take rent then sign until RRB comes in

If she is signing the contract you can put holding deposit towards rent or deposit ( just email ) so no you don’t need to refund it
Refunds are only if you’ve cancelled or are not going forward because of failed referencing etc
You can agree to a longer period if it’s mutual

3

This is all fine. Many would advise not signing until the property is empty. Ie previous tenant has left, so you are sure they are gone, and sure of work to be completed

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4

The Tenant Fees Act means that by default you can only hold a holding deposit for 15 days, but this can be varied by agreement. I would suggest something in writing signed by both you and the tenant allowing it to be retained until the agreed mov-in date.

Incidentally, the Renters Rights Bill proposes to make it illegal to take rent until the agreement is signed. This is likely to cause issues for most landlords, so keep monitoring the forums for developments on this.

5

If you are using rent now then the contract states initial rent and deposit should be paid immediately after signing to openrent. Perfectly fine to sign a month in advance. It is possible for tenant to make part payments if it isn’t practical to pay full amount far in advance which at least gives you some security. You can agree acceptable amount with tenant.

6

Bear in mind that any part payments of the security deposit made separately, each need to be protected and PI served within 30 days.

7

Thanks for all the replies.

I found a link that suggests we can sign contracts so the holding fee will stay in place (We are using Rent Now) and we still have the option to change date if needed nearer the time and then resign documents.

I am hoping that we can sign but no need to for tenant to pay first month rent and deposit (She would pay directly to open rent) until the day she moves in?

Up to now we have always had a tenant move in within a week or so thus this has never been an issue.

Regards

Kathryn