As a tenant, certain responsibilities come with renting a property. One of the most crucial tenant responsibilities is paying your rent on time.
What you need to know:
Your tenancy agreement should specify who is responsible for which bills, such as council tax, gas, electricity, and water. You should pay these promptly.
Keep in mind that you have the right to choose your energy supplier.
Using the property in a “tenant-like” manner is a legal requirement. This includes:
Remember, you may be liable for repair costs if you or your visitors cause damage to the property.
Unless your tenancy agreement explicitly allows you to, do not carry out repairs. Your landlord is responsible for repairs outlined in the agreement.
You should report any repairs promptly. Depending on urgency, repairs can be reported in-person, by phone, message, email or letter. Emergency repairs should usually be reported by phone call or in person, as you will need to know your landlord has recievd the message and is arranging the repair. Check your tenancy agreement to see how your landlord wants you to report repairs and follow what it says. Failure to report repairs on time can lead to damage which can result in deposit deductions.
You should also grant reasonable access to your landlord, agent, or workers for repair purposes. They should provide at least 24 hours’ notice requesting access at a ‘reasonable’ time of the day. If the appointment is not convenient you could suggest a different time. If you don’t need to be there in person you could ask a family member or neighbour to let them in or allow them to use a key.
Being a considerate neighbour plays an important role in creating a happy living environment. However, failure to do so could result in eviction for anti-social behaviour.
Unless clearly specified – and allowed – in your tenancy agreement, you cannot sublet or accept lodgers without your landlord’s or letting agent’s consent. If you are thinking of sub-letting or taking in a lodger, you should check with your landlord or agent first.
It is your responsibility to understand how to operate household appliances and locate the boiler, stopcock, fuse box, and meters.
To maintain your home’s safety, regularly test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ideally at least once a month.
When it comes to being a responsible tenant, there are a few optional but highly advisable actions you should consider.
Consider getting insurance for your personal belongings. While the landlord typically has insurance for the property, it doesn’t cover your possessions. Ensure your insurance also includes coverage for potential flood risks in your area.
Consider installing smart meters. They help you monitor energy consumption and find ways to save on bills. If you handle energy payments, check your tenancy agreement and notify your landlord if necessary. If your landlord manages energy expenses, you can request smart meter installation.
Don’t forget to register to vote at your new address.
If you’re unsure about any of these tenant responsibilities or need personalised guidance, please contact us and we’ll help you understand your rights and next steps.
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