When you move in
As a tenant, you have some responsibilities relating to how you use the property. This generally means you are responsible for the following actions:
| Pay the rent on time | Rent is usually required in advance. If you fall behind on your rent, your landlord may be able to take legal steps to evict you. DO NOT stop paying rent due to disrepair. |
| Pay any other bills | Your tenancy agreement should make it clear who is responsible for paying bills (Council Tax, Gas, Electricity & Water). You have the right to choose your energy supplier. Failure to pay your bills may effect your credit rating. |
| Look after the property | The Law requires you to live in a tenant - like manner meaning you need to report any disrepair to your landlord or agent, avoid any condensation or damp by ventilating the property, carry out any minor works (checking smoke alarms work and changing light bulbs), properly disposing all your rubbish and keeping the house clean. |
| Be considerate to the neighbours | This is important because you could be evicted for anti-social behaviour. Your landlord may also take steps to legally evict you. |
| Not take in a lodger | Unless it is allowed in your tenancy agreement, you should not sub-let or accept a lodger without agreement from your landlord or letting agent. You should always check with your landlord or agent before you sub-let or taking in a lodger. |
| Appliances operation | Make sure you understand how to operate the boiler and other appliances. Also make sure that you know where the stopcock, fuse box and any meters are located. |
| Regular testing | Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. It is the responsibility of the tenant to make sure they are in working order. |
| Report any repairs and allow access for them to be addressed | It is very important that you report any disrepair to your landlord or agent because if the case ever goes to court, the judge will ask you to show evidence. If you do not report a disrepair and a major problem occurs, the landlord may try to reclaim costs from your deposit. We offer help and advice when reporting disrepair. |