It’s been a while since I was a tenant , but I’ve been there and I know how scary it is. It’s so important to know your rights. I once had a week’s notice to leave and thankfully I had my parents to fall back on as I didn’t have anywhere else to go. Because I paid my rent weekly in cash I felt I had no choice when a neighbour dispute meant I had no choice but to go. I wish I’d known more about my rights then. This is a guest post explaining three rights all tenants have. Number 2 is so important and one we all worry about.
As a tenant of privately rented property, you have certain legal rights. So, if you’re thinking of moving into rented accommodation, it’s vitally important to be up to speed on what you’re entitled to. This should ensure that you’re not unfairly treated.
While you may have certain rights as a tenants, it’s important to note that you’ll have a set of responsibilities too. For instance, you’ll be expected to look after the property you’re renting, and you’ll need to make sure you take care of any fixtures, fittings and furnishings that have been provided by your landlord. If you were to cause any damage to these, your landlord could expect you to pay. This is known as tenancy liability. Fortunately, it’s possible to purchase a specially designed insurance policy that covers you financially in situations like this. You can find out more about tenants insurance from Homelet.
There are a number of rights you have as a tenant. In this blog post, we look at three of the most important.
#1 The right to live in a property that’s safe and in a decent state of repair
If you’re a tenant of rented accommodation, you have the right to live in a property that’s safe, clean and in a decent state of repair. As a basic rule of thumb, you should expect your home to have a solid structure, both externally and internally, fully functioning gas, electrical and water systems and working smoke alarms fitted on each floor. It’s also recommended that carbon monoxide detectors are installed, especially if wood and coal are burned in the property. If your house or flat is fully or partly furnished, your landlord should ensure that all furniture and appliances are safe and properly maintained.
Your landlord is required to fix any problems that might arise, such as leaks, within a reasonable timeframe, and it’s in their interest to keep the property safe at all times.
#2 The right to have your deposit protected
If you sign up to an assured shorthold tenancy that began after 6 April 2007, your landlord has to put your deposit in a protected scheme that’s approved by the government. This will ensure that you get your deposit back if you successfully pay your rent and bills, stick to the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement and you do not cause any damage to the property. Upon receiving your deposit, your landlord must put the money into the scheme within 30 days. If you were to end your tenancy agreement, they are then expected to return your deposit within 10 days.
#3 The right to a notice period to leave the property
Should your landlord want you to leave the property, they are required to give you a fair amount of notice. For example, if you’re still within the fixed term, they must give you at least two months to vacate. Your notice period will be specified in your tenancy agreement.
Being clued up on your rights and responsibilities is extremely important, and it should help ensure that your tenancy runs smoothly so you’re able to live happily in your home.
Disclosure: Collaborative post.
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