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Discovering the U.K.
It is essential to be able to pay the money for the above to the letting agent prior to the
commencement of the tenancy start date, so that the agent has cleared funds in the client’s
account. Until this is paid, the keys will not be released to you. If your company is assisting
with these costs, notice of the requirement and the banker details of the Letting Agent need
to be made available in plenty of time to enable the transfer to be made.
Responsibilities of a Tenant
The responsibilities of both tenant and landlord are detailed within the Tenancy Agreement,
although some conditions may vary slightly from one property and landlord to the next. For
instance, in apartment blocks, there are often rules that everyone in the building must abide
by.
Whilst tenancy agreements provide tenants with certain rights, they also contractually bind
you to certain responsibilities. Breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement can lead to
eviction from the property. A general guide to what is expected of tenants in the private
rental sector in the U.K. is listed below. Please note that there is a slight variation in property
law between England and Scotland although a tenant’s responsibilities are broadly the same
in each country.
Variations and additions to the terms may have been agreed to in your Tenancy Agreement;
please read through the Agreement to ensure that you are aware of your own obligations
whilst Tenant/Occupier of the property. If you require any further clarification on any of the
terms, please talk to your Consultant who will be pleased to assist.
Tenants in the U.K. agree to:
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Pay the agreed rent in full and on time. Failure to make timely payments will result in
a breach of contract and can incur monetary penalties
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Pay any bills that you are responsible for (such as water, electricity, gas telephone,
television licence)
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Make sure no damage is caused to the property or its contents, whether by yourself
or members of the household or visitors
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Consult your landlord before making any alterations to the property; please ensure
you obtain written permission
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Report any damage or need for repairs to the landlord as soon as possible. (In
general, landlords are responsible for repairs and maintenance of the exterior and
the structure of the property, as well as the plumbing, wiring and central heating)
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Responsibility for looking after internal decorations, furniture, and equipment as well
as minor maintenance (such as checking that smoke alarms are working, changing
light bulbs, etc.)
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Not cause disturbance, nuisance, or annoyance to neighbours
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Not smoke in any parts of the building that are shared with other tenants, even
though smoking may be permitted in your own accommodation
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Provide the landlord with access to the property for the purpose of inspection, or to
carry out repairs, as long as sufficient notice has been provided