A4.6 Tenancy Agreement

Can a tenancy agreement in the UK be signed in Chinese?

There are several key points regarding tenancy agreements in the UK:

1. Text messages, emails, and verbal agreements also constitute legally binding contracts in the UK. However, verbal agreements should ideally be supported by multiple witnesses or evidence, as they can be problematic otherwise.

2. It is possible to have a tenancy agreement in Chinese. However, it is generally advisable for the contract to be in a single language—either entirely in Chinese or entirely in English.

   If you sign a Chinese-language contract, it is crucial to thoroughly understand every clause. Translations from Chinese to English can often result in multiple interpretations, which may lead to complications. If a dispute arises over a Chinese contract and you need to pursue legal action in court, the contract must be translated into English by a professional institution. The letting agency will also commission their own translation. The court will then select the most commonly accepted translation as the reference document.

3. Illegal contracts are not legally enforceable in the UK. If you sign a contract for an illegal purpose, the agreement is void.

4. Do not breach the terms of the contract. If you receive a notice from the letting agency, address it promptly.

5. Tenancy agreements are typically drafted by the letting agency or landlord and may include clauses that favour them or contain hidden terms. Read the contract carefully before signing. Furthermore, the agency or landlord who drafts the contract is not permitted to charge a contract handling fee.