Request changes to the tenancy agreement.

Last night, our agent sent us the copy of the tenancy agreement that we have an appointment to sign today. However, I'm not sure about some of the clauses in it. Would it be appropriate at this late date to request changes or is this something we should have handled earlier? (Though not sure when, we saw it for the first time last night.)

In particular, I have issue with this:

In the event of any infestations arising during the Tenancy unless it is due to an act or
omission of the Landlord to carry out at the Tenant’s expense any requirements for
pest control disinfecting or fumigating the Premises which may be directed by the
Medical Officer of Health or such other competent officer and to pay for any
necessary re-decoration and to replace any articles the destruction of which may be
rendered necessary in consequence of such infestation fumigation or disinfection.

We'll be living in an apartment block, so chances of infestation due to some other resident's pig-like habits are higher and I don't want to get stuck with a bill for fumigating if it's not our fault.

Or am I being unreasonable and this is pretty standard?

I'm afraid I'd say it's probably standard. Our neighbour just had to pay the council to have a mice problem sorted and over the summer I had to pay to have a wasp's nest removed....

I am not familiar with this clause, and I would speak to the landlord about it.  If there is any kind of infestation which is the fault of others in the block then the remedy would be covered by their insurance or the landlords insurance.  I would not think that you should be expected to pay, unless it is of course your fault.

Vicky

I think you should ask to have it amended to make it clear that you will accept costs if the "infestation" is as a result of your actions or negligence only.

So it's fine to ask for amendments to tenancy agreements even right before you sign them?

I'm just so paranoid cause our lease starts on the 1st and what if we kick up a fuss and lose the flat?

You can ask but don't be surprised if they don't agree.  Then it's up to you whether you want to accept the lease on their terms or not.