THERE IS NOWHERE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PLACE WE CALL HOME. Before putting pen to paper on a tenancy document you would be well advised to seek legal advice on its terms and conditions. You will also want to check the physical condition of the property before taking up residence.

It is also critical to understand that your ‘status’ as an occupier of property will determine the extent of your rights and obligations. Long-term occupiers will be known as leaseholders, whose rights are contained within the lease, legislation and other documents usually held at the Land Registry.

Most short-term occupiers in the UK will automatically be assured shorthold tenants (shortly to be assured periodic tenants), which grants them exclusive occupation of a property as well as protection from eviction, subject to a court order for possession obtained by the landlord.

For others, commonly known as lodgers, their rights are minimised, with no automatic benefit to exclusivity and can be evicted by the landlord simply changing the locks, so long as sufficient notice is given.

Other more uncommon categories include regulated (historic) tenants, assured tenants and company tenants.

Big changes are on the way with the Renters’ Rights Act that has been recently passed.