What Are Your Rights As A Renter?

If you live in a rented property, it’s important to understand that you have certain rights to protect yourself. Your tenancy agreement will often outline and define these rights, so if you’re ever unsure, this should be the first place you check. 

Understanding both your tenant rights and responsibilities is vital to ensuring that you have a positive relationship with your landlord and that you end up living in a comfortable situation. It is often when these rights get confused, or when tenants aren’t sure what they are responsible for, that relationships or rental situations can become complicated. Here, we take a look at what your rights are as a renter. 

Your Rights As A Tenant

As a tenant living in a private rented property, then you should have a co-signed tenancy agreement (signed by both you and your landlord before you move in) which details your rights. Usually, these include:

• Your right to live in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair.

• Your right to have your initial deposit returned at the end of your tenancy, given that you meet the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement. If your tenancy started after 2007 and you have an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, then your deposit should be protected.

• You have the right to know the identity of your landlord.

• You have the right to live undisturbed in the property.

• You have the right to be protected against unfair rent and eviction.

If you have a written tenancy agreement, then this should be both fair and compliant with the law. If you don’t believe that you have a tenancy agreement, then you should look to enquire with them immediately so that you can ensure your rights as a tenant are protected.

Your Responsibilities As A Tenant

Whilst a tenancy agreement will explain and display your rights, it will also outline the responsibilities that you need to hold as a tenant. 

It’s important to remember that your landlord needs to give you at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property, unless it is an emergency and they require immediate access to the property. So long as they are looking to visit at a reasonable time and have provided the right amount of notice, then as a tenant you should allow them access. 

As well as this, there are other responsibilities you hold as a tenant, such as:

• In the absence of a landlord, you must take care of the property. This includes not causing any damage to the property, and performing regular maintenance checks and tasks, such as checking boiler performance and turning off water taps if you go on holiday. You may also be required to undertake some maintenance tasks, such as water damage restoration following a leak, but may be reimbursed.

• It is your responsibility to pay the agreed amount of rent on the time, even if you are in a dispute with your landlord, or are waiting for maintenance tasks or repairs.

• It is your responsibility to work with your landlord should maintenance need to be carried out by a company dealing with facilities management in Yorkshire or elsewhere, or through private contractors.

• It is your responsibility to pay for any damages that have been caused by you, guests, or other tenants at the end of your tenancy agreement.

• You must only sublet the property with your landlord’s approval, or where your tenancy agreement states so.