Kurtis Property's Tenancy Tips
Our guide and top tips for a long and happy tenancy
Know your rights
Knowing your rights will help you to protect yourself from unfair treatment, so it’s wise to do some research on this topic before you move into a rental property. For example, as a tenant the law says you should be able to:
Live in a property undisturbed
Have a tenancy agreement that’s fair and complies with the law
Have your deposit returned to you when your tenancy ends
See an energy performance certificate
Be protected from unfair rent and unfair eviction
Live in a home that’s in a good state of repair and is safe
Stick to the terms of your tenancy agreement
Unless you’re prepared to part with your deposit and potentially be evicted, you’ll need to follow the rules set out in your tenancy agreement. This includes everything from paying your rent on time (even if you’re in a dispute with your landlord) to not subletting your property unless you have permission. It also means sticking to the agreed policies on issues such as smoking and keeping pets.
Make sure you take good care of your rental home too. As well as keeping the place clean, try to avoid causing damage. For instance, if you leave the property unoccupied during cold weather, turn off the water at the mains so that the pipes don’t freeze and burst.
Do a thorough inventory check
In the excitement of moving into a new place, it’s easy to overlook the importance of doing a detailed check of the property’s inventory. However, if you skip this step, you could find it harder to get your deposit back when you move out.
If your landlord doesn’t provide you with an inventory when you move in, ask for one. This document should list all possessions the property comes with, including appliances, flooring and furniture - and it should record their condition. Make sure you agree with everything on the list before you sign it - and take photos that can be used as evidence if there’s a dispute when you’re moving out.
Get permission before you make property improvements
Don’t make the mistake of trying to improve the property without seeing if you need permission from your landlord first. Although you might be making the place nicer, these DIY projects could result in you losing part or all of your deposit when you move out. So, whether you want to repaint a room or put up a garden shed, check the terms of your tenancy agreement to see if you need permission. If you do, get your landlord’s agreement in writing before you start any work.
Tell your landlord straight away if repairs are required
The majority of repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, so if you spot signs of damage, it’s important to get in touch with your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. You should only attempt repairs to your rental property yourself if your tenancy agreement says you can.
Bear in mind that the vast majority of landlords want to know about any problems in their properties quickly so they have the opportunity to fix these issues before they get any worse and cause further damage.
Make sure you’re covered
No matter how careful you are, you can’t eliminate the risk that your possessions will be damaged or stolen, so to ensure that you don’t end up with a big bill, it’s a good idea to get tenants insurance. As well as cover for your possessions, consider getting a policy that includes tenancy liability insurance. This will protect you if you damage your landlord’s furniture, fixtures or fittings. Remember that it’s YOUR responsibility as a tenant to consider the right insurance for you and not your landlord’s job. Do some research to find the right one that suits your needs!