Advice for Tenants

Good Practice Guide

There can be many reason for an individual wanting to rent a property. In between homes, saving to get on the property ladder, moved into a new area etc... Whatever the reason you need to be sure that you have made the right decisions because although you haven't taken the risk of buying a property, renting is still a reasonably big commitment so you want to be sure you have got it right.

The tenancy agreement between landlord and tenant is a definitive document, though it does not exclude the Landlord from certain statutory responsibilities.

Before the Tenancy

• Ask the Landlord if you can view the property.
• Agree with the landlord any repairs that require immediate attention.  A timeframe should be set out and agreed upon for their completion. (If you are not confident the landlord will fulfil their obligation do not move into the property).
• If the property is to be let furnished agree a written inventory for the property, preferably before moving in, and at the latest 7 days afterwards.
• Record readings of gas, electricity and water meters (if appropriate). 
• Notify Landlord of readings (if not present when taken). You must advise the CURRENT supplier of these readings. If you wish to change supplier you must give a 30 day notice period before you can change to your preferred supplier.
• Obtain a written Tenancy Agreement from the Landlord and make sure that any arrangements regarding :-

1. Rent payments (including method and date of payment).
2. Deposits/bonds (including how and when it may be returned/retained) are clearly documented.
3. Take into consideration that bank usually require 14 days to set up a standing order (or similar), if you are not careful the first (and subsequent) payment may be made late. 

Where appropriate, complete applications for benefit payments promptly and return them to the appropriate office to avoid unnecessary delay in payment.  

• Pay any agreed bond/deposit promptly and obtain a written receipt for payment.

• Provide the Landlord with full personal details, including full name, date of birth and next of kin.

• Obtain a copy of the current gas safety certificate, for all gas appliances and pipe work within the property, from the Landlord.

• Obtain full contact details from the Landlord/Agent including name of appropriate person, telephone number and address.

During the Tenancy

• Obtain Landlord's permission prior to any changes in occupation.

• Comply with the terms of the tenancy agreement and behave in a responsible manner towards the Landlord, neighbours and fellow tenants (if any).

• Respect the feelings of neighbours and the effects of undue noise and disturbance on them.

• Ensure the property is maintained in a clean and tidy condition. Fixtures and fittings should be treated with respect as you will be responsible for any irreversible damaged caused to them not attributable to wear and tear.

• Use all the security measures provided and do not tamper with fire safety appliances, door closers and safety alarms (where provided).

• Check the smoke alarm on a weekly basis by pressing the test button. Notify the Landlord if the alarm does not operate or if the battery is replaced.

• Dispose of refuse in the dustbins/refuse containers provided. Notify the Landlord and/or the Council if refuse is not collected.

• Notify the Landlord/Agent immediately of any repairs that require attention.

• Allow the Landlord and his Agents access to the property to carry out routine maintenance checks and/or repairs. (If necessary, the Landlord should give reasonable notice of his need for access).

• The landlord is only responsible for the contents insurance and any additional insurance (eg for the contents) will have to be paid by yourself.
  At the end of the Tenancy

At the end of the Tenancy

• The landlord will contact you to arrange a suitable time to view the property and confirm contents and condition of property are acceptable.(usually 7 days prior to departure). Also consider that the landlord may wish to show new potential tenants around the property and may ask if you agree to this. You are under no obligation to do so but it may smooth the way over for an equitable parting.

• Check through the original written inventory and agree with the Landlord. (This should allow for some reasonable wear and tear).

• Arrange meter readings and disconnection of services,(e.g. gas, electricity), with utility companies and notify Landlord of details.

• Agree arrangements for the return of bonds/deposits.

• Return keys to Landlord and provide forwarding address/details to Landlord to facilitate return of bond, forwarding of post, etc.

• Notify Housing Benefit (where appropriate) of date of departure