Islington & Clerkenwell
Estate Agents

Tennants Rights and Obligations

What are your legal rights and obligations when renting Residential Property?

Every residential tenant in England and Wales has the right to:

• Know the terms of the tenancy. Although there is no legal requirement for a landlord to provide a written agreement (or lease) it is in your interests as a tenant to have one. You should study the terms carefully before signing. If you have doubts you may need to get some expert advice.
• Know the name and address of the landlord (normally included in the agreement)
  
• Accommodation which is in a good tenantable state of repair - free from defects.
  
• Reasonably quick and effective repairs if you report defects.
  
• Safe accommodation, all electrical, gas and other systems and appliances meeting modern safety standards and are subject to regular checks.
  
• A CORGI Gas Inspection Certificate annually and on entry to the accommodation
  
• Operating instructions, safety warnings and emergency procedures where appliances and systems may be unfamiliar.
  
• Peaceable and quiet enjoyment of the accommodation, free from demands for access without notice and/or interference with utilities or other supplies to the property.
  
• A rent book if the rent is payable weekly.
  
• A reasonable (statutory) period of notice if the landlord wants you to leave.
  
• The return of the security deposit within a reasonable period of time (up to 30 days) subject to the property being clean and damage free and no outstanding accounts.

Every residential tenant in England and Wales has an obligation to:

• Give honest and truthful statements during the tenancy application process.
  
• Pay a reasonable (market) rent.
  
• Pay the rent as and when it is due.
  
• Respect and care for the landlord's property, furniture and fittings.
  
• Pay the landlord for any damage (beyond normal wear and tear) at the end of, or during a tenancy.
  
• Pay the landlord for any exceptional cleaning and rubbish removal at the end of a tenancy.
  
• Report defects to the landlord immediately they become apparent.
  
• Not use the premises for any purpose other than residential accommodation.
  
• Not keep pets, unless approved by the landlord and the tenancy agreement.
  
• Not do anything in or around the premises which would cause nuisance, damage or annoyance to the landlord or the neighbours.
  
• Not bring into occupation other residents without informing the landlord. (Such additional adult occupant/s will be required to sign a tenancy agreement)
  
• Not leave the accommodation unoccupied for more that 14 days without informing the landlord or his agent.
  
• Give notice to quit in writing, which must be at least 4 weeks, where the rent is paid monthly.
  
• Not to use the security deposit in lieu of rent.
  
• Observe all the terms of the tenancy agreement.