Living in a Rented Home – Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities 🏡
There can be ambiguity when it comes to a tenancy in terms of responsibilities 😕 – there shouldn’t be! Who is responsible for what? Here we look at what both tenants and landlords SHOULD and MUST do throughout the tenancy.
Things you MUST do as a tenant
- Pay the rent on time 💸. If your rent is more than 14 days late, you could be liable for a default fee. This is limited by the Tenant Fees Act to interest on the outstanding amount, capped at 3% above the Bank of England base rates. The landlord or agent cannot charge any other fees.
- Pay any other bills 📑 that you are responsible for on time, such as council tax, gas, electricity, and water bills.
- Look after the property 🛠️. Get your landlord’s permission before attempting repairs or decorating. It’s worth getting contents insurance to cover your possessions too, because the landlord’s insurance won’t cover your things.
- Be considerate to the neighbours 🤝. Antisocial behaviour may be a reason for your landlord to evict you.
- Don’t take in a lodger or sub-let 🚫 without checking whether you need permission from your landlord.
Things you SHOULD do as a tenant
- Learn how to operate household systems 🏠. Make sure you know how to operate the boiler and other appliances and know where the stopcock, fuse box, and any meters are located.
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors 🔥🚨 regularly – at least once a month. Change the batteries where needed.
- Report any need for repairs 🔧 to your landlord. There may be a risk to your deposit if a minor repair turns into a major problem because you did not report it.
- Consider obtaining insurance 🛡️ for your contents and belongings. The landlord will usually have insurance for the property but it will not cover anything that belongs to you. If your area is at risk of flooding, make sure your insurance covers this.
- Ventilate your property adequately 🌬️. Ensure windows are kept open (especially when cooking or having baths and showers), ensure extractor fans are in working order and are turned on when appropriate. Clean away any mould as soon as it appears using mould sprays.
- Register to vote 🗳️ at your new address.
Things you MUST do as a landlord
- Maintain the structure and exterior of the property 🏗️.
- Ensure the property is free from serious hazards 🚫⚠️ throughout a tenancy.
- Fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms 🔥💨 on every floor and in rooms with fixed combustion appliances such as boilers, and make sure they are working at the start of your tenancy.
- Deal with problems with water, electricity, and gas supply 💧⚡.
- Maintain appliances and furniture 🛋️ supplied as per your tenancy agreement.
- Arrange an annual gas safety check 🧑🔧 by a Gas Safe engineer (where there are any gas appliances).
- Arrange an electrical safety check 🔌 by a qualified and competent person every five years.
- Seek permission to access the property 🗝️ and give at least 24 hours’ notice of proposed visits for things like repairs.
- Ensure the property is at a minimum energy efficiency band E 🌱 (unless a valid exemption applies).
- Carry out a Right to Rent check ✅.
Things you SHOULD do as a Landlord
- Ensure the building 🏠to cover the costs of any damage from flood or fire.
- Check regularly for safety 🧯. Ensure that all products, fixtures, and fittings are safe and that there haven’t been any product recalls.
- Ensure blinds are safe by design and do not have looped cords to prevent accidents, especially in a child’s bedroom.
If you are in any doubt, refer to your tenancy agreement or give us a call 📞.
We are here to help with any rental-related queries you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact the office.
📞 01474 321957
✉️ lettings@mandmprop.co.uk
🌐 www.mandmprop.co.uk