Landlord problems
Know your tenancy rights
Most landlords are pretty good at what they do and act
reasonably so long as you pay your rent, but there are many who
seem to go out of their way to make their tenants' lives hell.
Be it through unreasonable behaviour, withholding of deposits or
just plan laziness, the action of a landlord can have a serious
impact on the health and wallets of their tenants.
If you rent your home privately and have had, or are currently
experiencing, landlord problems then it is important to know your
tenancy rights and the ways in which you are protected by the law
from problem landlords.
Read on to find out more...
Your rights as a tenant
Your right to privacy
If your landlord turns up at your home uninvited then you do not
have to let them in. Under law they are required to provide you
with 24 hours notice in writing for any visit. If they persist in
showing up unannounced then they can be found guilty of
harassment.
The landlord is also not allowed to...
- Lock you out.
- Interfere with the gas, electricity or water supply.
- Interfere with or take your possessions.
- Remove doors or windows.
- Refuse to allow your friends to visit you.
- Use threats or make abusive phone calls.
You right to a safe home
Before you move in your landlord must provide you with a gas
safety certificate signed by a Gas Safe Register-listed engineer.
This proves that the appliances in your home are safe and must be
renewed once a year.
Your landlord is required to maintain the structure and exterior
of the property as well as keep the gas, electricity, water,
heating and sanitation in good repair.
Your right to get your deposit back
If you paid your rent and have left the property in a good
condition then you are entitled to get your full deposit back.
If your agreement is an assured shorthold tenancy and you signed
after April 6 2007 then your landlord should be registered with the
tenancy deposit scheme. This has been put in place to protect
tenants from instances where landlords keep hold of deposits it for
no good reason, and will help you go get your deposit back without
having to go to court.
There also certain rights and responsibilities outlined in your
tenancy agreement. Make sure to read this before signing anything
and moving in.
Claims Financial