Living in the UK and moving into a private rented property as a tenant gives you a set of rights. It also imposes some responsibilities on you, just like your landlord. Often your tenancy contract defines all these rights and responsibilities as detailed on the government services website, www.gov.uk.
If you are going to rent a property for the first time, this guide will help you understand the key rights and responsibilities you, as the tenant, have.
Your Rights As A Tenant
Your tenancy contract, which is co-signed by you and your landlord, gives you several rights:
⦁ You have the right to live in a safe property kept in a good state of repair.
⦁ Your landlord must return your deposit when the tenancy ends provided that you fulfil the terms of your tenancy agreement.
⦁ If you have an assured shorthold tenancy contract starting after 2007, then the landlord should protect your deposit for the duration of the tenancy.
⦁ You have the right to challenge any charges that you think are ‘excessively high’
⦁ You have the right to know the identity of the landlord. If the landlord fails to provide the required information within 21 days of asking, he can be fined.
⦁ You have the right to live in privacy without being disturbed.
⦁ You must check the energy performance certificate (EPC) of the rented property which must be rated at least E, except in very specific circumstances.
⦁ You have protection from unfair eviction and unreasonable rent.
⦁ The landlord has to provide you with a written contract if the fixed-term tenancy duration is more than 3 years.
⦁ All the terms of your tenancy agreement should comply with the law.
As a final step, you must read your tenancy agreement carefully as this is the legal document displaying all the required information.
Your Responsibilities As A Tenant
As a tenant you have rights, but you also have some responsibilities to fulfil:
⦁ You are obligated to allow your landlord access to the property for inspection and/or repair and maintenance purposes. The landlord must notify you about their intention to enter the property at least 24hrs before the visit unless it’s an emergency requiring immediate access.
*Covid-19 has not affected these rules. The landlord and tenant should work together to avoid any unnecessary visits.
⦁ As a tenant, you are responsible for taking good care of the property and promptly notifying the landlord/agent of any problems so they can be fixed before serious damage takes place.
⦁ You should pay your rent on time, even if you are in some dispute with your landlord.
⦁ You should pay your utility bills and council taxes on time.
⦁ You are responsible for any damage caused to the property during your stay. You should either get the property repaired or pay the landlord for damage repair.
⦁ You can’t sublet the property without permission from the landlord.
*Covid-19 has not altered your responsibility of paying the rent and all other charges as agreed in the tenancy contract.
Failing to fulfil your responsibilities as a tenant, your landlord reserves the right to evict you from the property.
To ensure a friendly and stress-free relationship with your landlord, make sure you read your tenancy contract thoroughly and if you are confused about anything, talk to your letting agent or landlord.
