What rights do I have as a tenant?

Tenants actually have quite a lot of rights when they have entered into an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. This is statutory rights and rights within the written agreement itself.

Tenants are entitled firstly to have quiet enjoyment of the property. Whilst the landlord should be attending at the property to make sure it’s in a fit state of repair, they should not be harassing the tenants and should leave them to enjoy the property that they are paying the rent for. They are entitled to a property that is in a fit state of repair and if ever there is disrepair they should report it to the landlord, who should undertake repairs in a timely fashion or alternatively report it to the council who can do an inspection of the property.

At the beginning of the tenancy the landlord should give them the prescribed information as it is more difficult for the landlord to obtain possession of the property back without giving that information. Therefore, they should be giving them the information regarding investment of the bond and how it has been invested. Providing them with a How to Rent Guide, an energy performance certificate, a gas safety certificate and they should be undertaking electrical inspections and making sure that the property has a carbon monoxide tester along with a fire alarm.

A landlord cannot take payments from the tenants other than rent and a bond and should not be taking unlawful payments from a tenant. If tenants ever have any issues whatsoever with their landlord they should seek legal advice straight away.

Here is a video recorded by Head of Dispute Resolution, Emma Cornell:

Here at Taylor Bracewell our Dispute Resolution team are experts in tenants and tenancy agreements. If you have any issues or queries you wish to speak to one of our experts about, don’t hesitate to contact them on 01302 341 414 or by filling out our online enquiry form!

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