Rights & Responsibilities
As a tenant, what rights do I have?
• To know the name and address of my landlord.
• To reside in a property that is in an adequate condition for rental purposes and free from defects.
• To exercise the break clause, if there is one specified within the tenancy agreement.
• To have repairs and maintenance to damaged items carried out in reasonable time.
• To live in safe accommodation, with all equipment and systems meeting the required safety standards.
• To have a Gas Safe registered gas inspection certificate produced annually.
• To have quiet enjoyment of the property i.e. the landlord cannot let themselves into the property and disturb the tenants.
• To have a rent book, if the rent is payable on a weekly basis.
• To be given a reasonable (statutory) period of notice if the landlord wants the agreement to end (two months).
• To have the security deposit returned within a reasonable period of time (within 30 days).
As a tenant, what would I be responsible for?
• Paying the rent as agreed, on time.
• In most cases, paying the council tax (unless a property is a house in multiple occupation (HMOs*)) and water and sewerage charges; but your landlord may include the cost in the rent.
• Paying service and utility bills – e.g. gas, electricity and the telephone etc unless you agree otherwise with the landlord.
• Taking proper care of the property and reporting any damage made.
• Not causing disturbance or nuisance to neighbours.
• Providing the landlord with access to the property for repairs and inspection providing reasonable notice has been given by landlord/letting agent.
• Providing Norwich City Council’s private sector housing team with access, providing reasonable notice has been given.
• Giving required amount of notice (one month) if you wish to terminate the agreement.
* An HMOs is a property which is occupied by a group of people who are not a family.