Does anyone know how to successfully edit an Open Rent contract before both parties sign?
I am trying to add a clause (simply to say bills are included in rent) and saving it, but when I review it, the changes are not there.
Open Rent are not getting back to me.
Thanks
Is there a different version of the tenancy template for bills included? Thats not something you really want to be drafting yourself.
@Luke43 You can’t edit the OR clauses only add your own custom clauses to override these. If you have signed up for the ‘rent now’ tenancy creation you can add ‘custom clauses’ easily - try using a laptop not a phone and a different browser. Otherwise if you arent using ‘rent now’ you’d have to paste the whole sample AST into an editable doc but it’s messy as clauses relating to Openrent would also need deleting. Better to use the gov uk template in that case
I don’t think you need a clause for this just an agreement in writing between yourself and the Tenant but @mod_emma or @mod_harry can confirm.
That would be consistent with standard clause 9.4 (copy below)
And keep a copy of the listing where presumably you advertised as bills included. That listing forms part of your contract too as anything in the ad should be provided as stated unless agreed otherwise as part of contract negotiations.
You would need to clearly specify which bills included and any limits to usage (to prevent abuse) but better to take readings tell utility companies and let them be responsible for their usage. Why exactly would you take a risk on them putting the heating on full blast all year round with the windows open ?
Good luck
9.4. Unless otherwise agreed in writng with the Landlord, to pay for all gas, electricity, water and sewerage services consumed on or supplied to the Premises during the Term, and for all charges made for the use of the telephone (if any), TV licence (if any), TV service (if any), and Internet service (if any) during the Term. This includes standing charges
and other similar charges and VAT, as well as charges for actual consumpton.
The custom clauses are normally at the back of the contract. Are you looking through the whole contract?
Hi @Luke43
There isn’t a need to specify the fact that bills are included in the contract itself. Clause 9.4 details how tenants aren’t obliged to pay bills where the landlord has agreed to cover the cost of things such as utilities.
You have the option to add in your own wording around this arrangement, though this isn’t a requirement.
We have reached out to you in an email with further information.