What are my rights as a tenant?
let the landlord know about any damage or repairs straight away. pay for their own outgoings eg, electricity, gas and internet. use the property mainly for residential purposes rather than business activities. leave the property clean, tidy, and clear of rubbish and possessions.
Do tenants have to give 2 months notice? Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Housing Act 1996 requires that the landlord provides tenants of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) with a minimum of two months’ notice in writing, stating that possession of the property is sought.
Similarly, Can you refuse access to your landlord? Can a tenant refuse entry to a landlord or letting agent? Yes, they can. In 99% of cases a tenant refusing entry to a landlord will usually boil down to convenience, or lack thereof. Simply adjusting the time and date will be enough to gain access to the property.
What does my landlord have to provide?
Landlord’s responsibilities
A landlord is responsible for: repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water systems, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitaryware. the safety of gas and electrical appliances. the fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided under the tenancy.
What is a 14 day breach notice?
When a breach happens, you can send the person who is in breach a 14-day notice to remedy. The notice tells them what they’ve done to breach the agreement, what they need to do to fix it, and how long they have to fix it.
How much notice should a landlord give?
There’s one golden rule you should always stick by: always provide your tenants with written notice at least 24 hours before any planned visits. What’s more, you should try and visit when it’s suitable for your tenants and be flexible with regards to time.
Do I have to give notice if my landlord has given me notice? If you’ve just received an eviction notice, don’t worry you don’t have to leave the property immediately. Your landlord must give you a certain amount of notice depending on your tenancy type and the kind of notice you’ve been given.
When should I give notice to my landlord? You can usually give notice at any time, unless you have a break clause or a tenancy agreement that says otherwise. The notice you give has to end on the first or last day of your tenancy period.
Can landlord come on property without notice?
Unless there is an agreement to the contrary or there is an emergency situation e.g. fire or flood, a landlord should not call to the property unannounced or enter the property without your permission.
How often should a landlord visit their property? It is wise for landlords to conduct a property inspection every quarter. If you have carried out frequent positive inspections from the same tenants, then you could reduce this to every six months.
Can landlord change locks?
It is illegal for a landlord to change the locks? Yes. The law says that your tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment of their home. However difficult they are being, you must follow the correct legal procedure – which means no changing the locks to keep them out!
Do landlords have a duty of care to their tenants? Landlords must remember their duty of care to their tenants, failure not to show due diligence and something happens to your tenant when they are residing at your property could lead to prosecution or a fine and may face the following consequences. These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.
What makes a house unfit for human habitation?
An issue which makes a property uninhabitable is whether there is a problem with the supply of hot and cold water, or whether there is an issue with drainage and lavatories. Also, if a tenant is unable to prepare food, cook food or wash up after dining, the house may be uninhabitable.
Do landlords have to have electrics checked?
In England, Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords are required to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested, at least every five years, by a person who is qualified and competent.
Can a landlord trespass a tenant? The short answer is yes. from your rental, so can his sub-tenants, employees and guests.
What happens if landlord breaches contract?
If your landlord breaches the terms of the lease you can take legal action against them to court. This is because the lease is a contract between two parties (the leaseholder and the landlord) and any actions for breach can be enforced via the courts.
Is a blocked drain the landlords responsibility?
The landlord is responsible for: clearing blocked sewers, drains and external waste pipes but not road gullies or waste pipes blocked by tenant misuse.
What can you do if a tenant refuses access? If a tenant refuses access you should make them aware that this is a breach of contract and they may be sued for damages. Take this opportunity to remind them of their legal obligations to allow access for repairs.
Can I refuse landlord inspection?
Can a tenant refuse entry to a landlord or letting agent? Yes, they can. In 99% of cases a tenant refusing entry to a landlord will usually boil down to convenience, or lack thereof. Simply adjusting the time and date will be enough to gain access to the property.
Can a landlord enter a property without permission? A landlord must give 24 hours’ written notice before they can enter a property – assuming they are given permission by the tenant – and can only arrange to visit at a ‘reasonable’ time of the day; so ideally not late at night or early in the morning.
Do landlords have to serve 6 months notice?
Landlords must provide at least 6 months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts in most cases.
How much notice must a landlord give a tenant South Africa? Both the landlord and tenant must give at least one month’s notice to the other party when wanting to cancel the lease. (See Rental Housing Act 1999.) The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives additional rights to the tenant by allowing them to cancel the lease provided 20 business days’ notice is given.
How do you tell your landlord you are moving out?
What to Include in the Written Notice
- Today’s Date.
- Landlord’s Name.
- Property Address and Unit Number.
- State Your Desire to Move Out of the Apartment.
- Include Desired Move-Out Date.
- That You Expect the Return of Your Security Deposit Under State Law.
- A Forwarding Address Where Your Security Deposit Can Be Sent.
- Your Signature.