Tenant Responsibilities When Renting a Property
If you are a first-time renter or an existing tenant looking for more information about your responsibilities when living in rented accommodation, take a look at what will be expected of you below.
Rent and bill payments
Rent and bill payments
Rent must be paid on time every week/month – depending on the date set out in the tenancy agreement. Failure to do so could lead to the landlord starting eviction proceedings.
Whether this is done via direct debit or by cash each month, make sure to get a receipt. If you’re claiming housing benefits, it will be your responsibility to ensure the full amount is paid on time.
If the rent does not include utility and council tax bills, you must keep these up-to-date and avoid running into arrears.
Property care
While living in rented accommodation, you are responsible for treating the property with care and ensuring any issues are reported to the managing agent and landlord.
Property care includes things like:
- Reporting any repairs or maintenance that may be required
- Where possible, ventilating the property to minimise condensation and mould
- Changing lightbulbs and ensuring batteries in carbon monoxide alarms are working
- Keeping the property clean and disposing of waste
Please note that any other furniture, fixtures and fittings that are damaged beyond standard levels of wear and tear may have to be paid for out of your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Allowing property access
Allowing property access
If any repairs or maintenance are needed in the flat which requires access by the landlord or a third party, or if they wish to carry out an inspection, they must give you at least 24 hours written notice and ensure it is carried out at a reasonable time.
A gas safety check will have to be carried out once a year to ensure the safety of gas appliances and equipment, which you must also allow access to.
Asking permission
Asking permission
You are likely to need permission from your landlord if you wish to:
- Sublet part or all of the property
- Set up a business from home
- Make any alterations to the property
- Keep a pet
Always communicate in writing so you have a record of your conversation, and remember, the landlord does have the right to say no if it isn’t agreed in the contract already.
General behaviour
While living in the property, you will be expected not to demonstrate anti-social behaviour that could raise complaints from neighbours or other tenants you are living with.
You should also adhere to the tenancy agreement rules regarding smoking – although, in shared accommodation, it is unlikely to be allowed in communal areas used by others.
Leaving the property / Ending the Tenancy
When you want to end a periodic tenancy, follow the notice period set out in the agreement. You may be able to end the arrangement sooner, although the landlord must agree to this.
Fixed-term tenancies work a little differently, so unless there is a break clause, you may have to wait until the end of the contract.
If you leave the property without giving proper notice, you could still be liable to pay rent, even if you are no longer living there.
Looking to rent a property in Willesden Green?
If you are thinking of renting a property in Willesden Green or the surrounding North West London areas, contact our expert lettings team today or browse our available properties to rent.