Responsibilities as a Tenant
As a Tenant, much like your Landlord, you have a number of responsibilities both outlined by law and your tenancy agreement, in which you must adhere to. From the all-important getting your keys to repairs and rent, here are just some of the responsibilities that lie with you as the Tenant.
Keys
You’ll be provided with a set of keys per tenant upon moving into the property. The Property Management or Landlord will keep a set of keys for emergencies and gaining access to property. However, if you lose or damage your keys you must pay for their replacement.
Moving In Checklist
It is your responsibility as the Tenant to ensure you have organised the following where they are required when moving in.- Council Tax Registration- Gas- Water- Electricity- Telephone- TV License- Contents Insurance
Your Tenancy Deposit
At the start of the tenancy you will be required to pay a security deposit, which will be held against any damage that is not considered ‘fair wear and tear’. The deposit will be equivalent to 1 month’s rent plus £100 or the equivalent of 5 weeks rent (Confirmed in your tenancy agreement). The deposit will be payable on or before the day your tenancy starts, the deposit cannot be used for the payment of rent.
Paying Rent
Your tenancy agreement will tell you when your rent is due. The first payment is due on or before the commencement date of the tenancy, in the form of cleared funds.Your rent does not include; Council Tax, Electricity, Gas and Water, TV license, Internet or Telephone.As a Tenant you must ensure rent is paid. If the tenancy is in 2 or more names, everyone on the tenancy agreement is responsible for making sure the rent is paid on time. It is your responsibility to make sure there are cleared funds in your bank account. Again, unless your tenancy agreement states different, rent payments are made by monthly installments by standing order on or before the due date.
Joint Responsibilities - Sharing a Property
If you rent a property with other people, you all have joint responsibilities for keeping to the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement. This includes covering rent if one tenant fails to pay their rent, the other sharers remain responsible. All tenants are equally responsible for any damaged caused and the termination of the tenancy. Therefore, any one sharer wishing to end a tenancy is considered to be doing so on behalf of all the other occupiers.
Maintenance
The Landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance issues including leaks, heating, water etc. For the Landlord or Property Management to react quickly, the issue needs to be reported promptly. As a Tenant however you have responsibilities to your Landlord and to your neighbours to maintain the general standard of the property and adhere to the rules set out in your tenancy agreement. Maintenance including changing light bulbs, disposing of rubbish and keeping the property ventilated lies with you as the tenant, other responsibilities include:-- Minor repairs and maintenance- Gas, Responding to letters to carry out annual gas checks. - Gardening- Keeping walls free of Blue Tac and similar products- Ensuring flooring and carpets are free from damage - Disposing of rubbish responsibly- Using correct cleaning materials to ensure no damage to surfaces- Descaling shower heads regularly- Property security- Maintaining washing machines and tumble dryers- Ventilation and condensation- Defrost fridge and freezer regularly
Repairs and Emergencies
If you have any repairs or maintence requirements, you need to report these via our website or by speaking to your Property Manager.
