As a tenant you have the right to live undisturbed in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair. Whilst living in a rental property, the landlord is responsible for any repairs involving the properties structure and exterior; white goods (unless stated in the tenancy agreement); basis, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains; heating and hot water; gas appliances; ventilation; and electrical wiring etc. Belvoir have recently introduced an online portal, Fixflo, of which all tenants can quickly and simply report any maintenance issues they have which then goes straight through to our maintenance team who will contact the appropriate person/people to get the issue solves as soon as possible. Before moving into a rental property, the tenant must also be given/see both a valid energy performance certificate for the property, and the gas safety certificate (if applicable) and the How to Rent guide.
Even though it is the tenants’ responsibility to keep on top of rent, bills and the cleanliness and well being of the property, the landlord also has a number of responsibilities to keep their tenants safe and happy. Landlords/letting agents must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice before visiting the property, however the tenant must also give the landlord/letting agency reasonable access for inspections, viewings and/or to carry out repairs. The landlord must also ensure that all electricals installed are safe, provide the correct amount of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that follow the fire safety regulations, check to make sure the tenants have access to escape routes at all times and ensuring that all furniture and furnishings supplied are fire safe. The tenant however has the responsibly of making sure the landlord/letting agency knows who is living at the property, all of which must take care of the property and any furnished supplied by the landlord.
If the landlord of the property wants to increase the rent, they must get the tenants’ permission before doing so, however if the tenant doesn’t agree for a rent increase during the fixed-term tenancy, the landlord can only increase the rent once this ends. Any rent increases must be fair and realistic, otherwise the tenant has a right to dispute. There must also be a minimum of one months’ notice given for increases.
If you would like any more information or advice, please contact us.
We currently advertise all of our properties on: Rightmove, Zoopla, and On The Market.
