Unfair contract terms
Terms that create a significant imbalance are unenforceable.
2 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, tenancy terms must be fair and transparent. Terms that impose disproportionate penalties, allow entry without notice, or make the tenant liable for the landlord's statutory repairing duties are likely to be unenforceable, and the CMA publishes guidance on common offenders.
Legal requirements
- Unfair terms are not binding on the tenant, though the rest of the agreement continues.
- Terms must be in plain, intelligible language.
Practical guidance
- Strip out inherited clauses like 'the tenant must professionally clean' — replace with a reasonable standard.
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.