Both Landlords and Tenants have Rights & Responsibilities which are often complimentary.

• Tenancy Establishment
• During the Tenancy
• At the end of the Tenancy

Tenants - are entitled to enjoy the property they rent as though it were their own, but equally they have to behave in an appropriate manner and allow the Landlord to meet his/her responsibilities.

Landlords – must respect their tenants and recognise it is their home for the period of the tenancy.

HMOs - Houses in Multiple Occupation - Although the above and following apply, there are additional responsibilities associated with these types of properties.  Please click on HMOs for further details.  Some guidance is available by going to the links on the right hand side of this page.

Tenancy Establishment

1.  Before the tenancy is established the Landlord will provide a Tenancy Agreement which clearly explains the terms of the tenancy and provides contact details for the Landlord.

2.  There will be a clear explanation of where any Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme monies are held and the mechanism for recovery.

3.  The Landlord must ensure the property is clean and tidy and in a good state of repair before the tenants take up residency.

4.  The Landlord must ensure there are no significant health and safety risks posed to the tenants.  Please see the HHSRS guidance.

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5.  The Landlord must ensure there is adequate Cooking, Bathing, and appropriate safety provision for the number and type of occupants. 

6.  A list or Property Inventory of all furniture and furnishings provided as part of the tenancy will be provided and should be agreed by both the tenant and landlord as being accurate.  The Landlord will ensure any such Furniture and Furnishings comply with current legislation.

7.  The Tenant must be allowed to see the current Gas Safety Report, assuming there is gas apparatus in the property.  Please see the Gas Safety Leaflet. 

8.  Instructions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Heating, Gas, and Electrical installations together with any apparatus such as Cooker, Fridges, Washing Machines etc will be provided.

9.  If the property is subject to any form of Licensing / Registration the Landlord will ensure that an application has been made for such Licensing / Registration.

During the Tenancy

1.  From time to time it will be necessary for contractors, with prior notice arranged with the tenant, to enter the property to carry out routine maintenance.  At least annual inspections can be expected on the Gas and Fire Detection Installations.

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2.  The occasional breakdown of equipment or disrepair to the property is inevitable, therefore, immediately the tenant becomes aware of such work, they should notify the landlord and make arrangements with them for access to undertake work.  The Landlord should ensure that work of an urgent nature such as the lack of heating during the winter months is carried out with the minimum of delay.

3.  The tenant must ensure that refuse is both recycled, where appropriate, and removed from the property in accordance with the requirements of the local authority.  Wheelie bins must be put out no more than 8 hours before the collection day, and returned to the property no longer than 8 hours after collection day.  Collection of larger items shall be arranged with the Council and materials shall be left available to coincide with these arrangements.

4.  The gardens and area around the outside of the house shall be kept neat and tidy and be free of refuse.

5.  The tenant shall behave in a manner which does not cause distress or disturbance to others in the house and the surrounding area.

At the end of the Tenancy

1.  The tenant shall give the appropriate notice to the Landlord of their intention to vacate the property.

2.  The tenant shall ensure the property is left in a clean and tidy condition with all items on the list of equipment provided or the Inventory, accounted for.  Keys and all instructions provided shall be returned to the Landlord.

3.  The Landlord must arrange for the prompt repayment of any Deposit money held.

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