Renting a property in the UK can be a great way to find a home, but it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. While you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home, there are certain things you can and can’t do. Getting these lines blurred can lead to disputes with your landlord, so it’s best to be informed from the outset.
What you CAN generally do when Renting a Property
- Decorate (within reason): You might be able to redecorate, but usually, this requires your landlord’s written consent. Simple changes like hanging pictures are generally acceptable, but painting walls or changing fixtures is likely to need permission. Always ask first to avoid problems later. Your landlord might even be open to it if you propose improvements that add value to the property.
- Quiet Enjoyment: This is a fundamental right. It means your landlord can’t just turn up whenever they feel like it. They must give you reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) before entering the property, except in emergencies like a burst pipe.
- Request Repairs: Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure of the property and keeping essential services like heating, plumbing, and electricity in working order. Report any necessary repairs promptly and in writing. Keep records of all communication.
- Have Guests: You’re generally allowed to have guests, but excessive or long-term guests could potentially breach your tenancy agreement, especially if it impacts neighbours or causes overcrowding. Again, check your agreement for specifics.
- End the Tenancy (with notice): You have the right to leave the property at the end of your fixed term tenancy. You also have the right to leave during a periodic tenancy, providing you give the correct notice as specified in your agreement (usually one month).
- Complain about issues: You have the right to complain to your landlord about problems with the property. If they fail to address them, you may have recourse through local councils or even the courts.
What you generally CAN’T do when Renting a Property
- Make major alterations: You can’t knock down walls, install new kitchens or bathrooms, or make significant changes to the property without your landlord’s explicit written consent.
- Sublet without permission: Subletting (renting out the property to someone else) is almost always prohibited without the landlord’s agreement. Doing so can lead to eviction.
- Damage the property: This one’s obvious. You’re responsible for looking after the property and avoiding any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Be prepared to pay for any repairs needed due to negligence or misuse.
- Be a nuisance: Anti-social behaviour, excessive noise, or causing disturbances to neighbours can be a breach of your tenancy agreement and could lead to eviction.
- Refuse access for essential repairs: While your landlord needs to give notice, you can’t unreasonably refuse them access for necessary repairs, especially if they relate to health and safety or prevent further damage to the property.
- Withhold rent (except in very specific circumstances): Withholding rent is generally not advisable. Even if your landlord isn’t fulfilling their obligations, there are usually better ways to resolve the issue, such as seeking legal advice. Check with Citizens Advice or Shelter for guidance.
Key takeaway
Your tenancy agreement is your bible. Read it carefully before you sign and keep a copy. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your landlord or letting agent for clarification. Good communication is key to a smooth and stress-free tenancy. And remember, resources like Citizens Advice and Shelter are there to help you understand your rights and navigate any issues that may arise.