Tenant's Rights

> If you are a tenant you have rights.
> You also have responsibilities.
> What happens if the roof leaks? Perhaps your landlord wants to throw you out? What about the decorating and the faulty cooker? People can have problems when they are living in private or rented accommodation.
> Know where you stand with your landlord, get some advice and know your rights…

Your Rights as a Tenant

> If you are under 18yrs you are not generally entitled to hold a tenancy.
> Your rights as a tenant will depend on the type of tenancy you have, the accommodation you live in and when you moved in.
> Most private tenancies are Assured Shorthold, unless your tenancy agreement states that you have an Assured Tenancy. In practice it is a lot easier for a landlord to evict someone from an Assured Shorthold tenancy.
> If you have an Assured Shorthold tenancy your landlord is entitled to get the property back after the initial period of the tenancy, which should be at least 6 months. If the landlord wants you to leave the property they must give you at least two months written notice.
> This written notice must be given to you in the correct legal form and will have to state reasons why you are required to leave, and the landlord will have to go to court if necessary to prove that these reasons are true.
> Housing Law is very complicated and you should always seek advice.
> If you’re renting privately the law offers you some protection. Knowing the basics could help to keep you in your flat, stop you landlord ripping you off and ensure that your accommodation is up to scratch.
> Before you move in, you should, whenever possible, obtain a written tenancy agreement or contract - if you landlord refuses to give you one there should be a very good reason for this.

If you do not share with your landlord, a written and signed agreement must be provided within 28 days and include:

> when the tenancy began
> what rent is
> when it is due
> whether your stay is for a fixed time
> the date the rent is set for review.

Read it before signing it and if there are any terms or conditions that you don’t understand, get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or your local Housing Advice Agency.

When a landlord does provide a written contract, you should pay particular attention to the parts about responsibility for repairs and charges for damages. That way you can avoid potential disputes in the future – particularly arguments over return of deposits at the end of your stay.

Click on:
www.adviceguide.org.uk CAB advice guide
www.surreyonline.info for housing advice centres

 

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