The best way to avoid conflict or difficulty is to understand your rights, and what you can expect of your landlord. Here are some things you may need to know –
Tenants’ Rights
Every tenant has the right:
- To know the terms of the tenancy
- To know the name and address of the landlord
- To a decent standard of repair in the property and safe accommodation
- To ‘quiet enjoyment’ while living in the property
- To a rent book if the rent is payable on a weekly basis
- To proper notice (usually 24 hours) if the landlord wishes to inspect the property
- To proper notice if the landlord wishes the tenant to leave
Landlords’ Rights
Every landlord has the right…
- To charge a market rent (on lettings which began on or after 15 January 1989)
- To fix the terms of the agreement before the tenancy begins
- To receive rent as and when it falls due
- To be advised on any necessary repairs
- To be given proper notice by a tenant if he or she wishes to leave
- To be allowed reasonable access to inspect the property (by appointment)
- To ask for a deposit which can then be used to offset any damage to the property by the tenant;
- To ask for rent in advance
- To choose who the property will be let to, as long as the choice is in compliance with with legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex or religion.
