Direct2Landlord

Tenants - rights and responsibilities

Are you a tenant? Do you know your rights and responsibilities?

Are you a Landlord? Do you know your tenants rights and responsibilities?

Tenant Rights

• live in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair
• have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends - and in some instances have it protected
• challenge excessively high rates
• know who your landlord is
• live in the property undisturbed
• see an energy performance certificate for the property
• be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent
• have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years

If you have a tenancy agreement it should be fair and comply with the law.

If you do not know who your landlord is, ask the person or the company that you pay rent to. Put this in writing. If they do not give you this information within 21 days, your landlord may be fined.

Your responsibilities

You must give the Landlord access to the property to visit it and carry out repairs. Your Landlord has to give you 24 hours notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it is an emergency and they need immediate access.

You must also:

• take good care of the property e.g. by turning off the cold water at the main if you are in cold weather
• pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or even if you are in dispute with your Landlord
• pay other charges as agreed with your Landlord - these may include council tax and the usual bills
• repair or pay for any damage that has been caused by you, your family or friends
• only sublet a property if your Landlord or tenancy agreement allows it

If you do not fulfil all of your responsibilities then you Landlord has the right to evict you. You do not want that.

We hope that has been helpful. If you are a tenant, keep all of these points in mind.

If you are a Private Landlord feel free to refer to this article or pass on a copy to your tenants.

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For more information please visit www.direct2landlord.co.uk