Norwich City Council - Property Information Point

Rights & responsibilities

It is important that landlords fully understand their obligations. The Disability Discrimination Act, Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act also apply to anyone letting, selling or managing properties. If you are in doubt about anything seek legal advice.

For more information click here

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As a landlord, what would I be responsible for?

What would my tenant be responsible for?

• Allowing tenants to reside in the property without disturbance.   • Making reasonably prompt repairs and undertaking maintenance to the property if required.   • Maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, hot water installations and water supply, electrical wiring, basins, baths, sinks and toilets etc.   • Ensuring that all gas appliances are safely maintained annually by a Gas Safe registered engineers.   • Making sure all electrical equipment is safe to use.   • Showing prospective tenant(s) an energy performance certificate (EPC).   • Applying for an HMO licence where applicable.   • If the property is furnished, ensuring it meets the necessary fire resistant regulations.   • Providing and maintaining smoke/ fire alarms; and for properties such as HMOs – fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire escapes.

• Paying the rent as agreed, on time.   • In most cases, paying the council tax, water and sewerage charges – but if you pay them yourself, you can include the cost in the rent.   • Bills for gas, electricity and the telephone etc unless you agree otherwise with the tenant.   • Taking proper care of the property and reporting any damage made.   • Not causing disturbance or nuisance to neighbours.   • Providing you, the landlord, with access to the property for repairs and inspection providing reasonable notice has been given by you or the letting agent.   • Providing Norwich City Council’s private sector housing team with access where reasonable notice has been given.   • Giving required amount of notice if they wish to terminate the agreement.

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As a landlord, what rights do I have?

What rights does the tenant have?

• To legally repossess the property if the rent remains unpaid for two or more months; where the tenant breaches the terms of the tenancy, becomes bankrupt or enters into an arrangement with creditors as long as the correct notice has been served.   • To dispose of any unclaimed property left at the premises once the tenancy has ended and following the expiration of the time specified in the tenancy agreement. • To exercise the break clause, if there is one specified within the tenancy agreement.   • To seek possession of the property if the tenant has damaged it (although possession is not mandatory).   • To collect overdue rent payments from the tenant.   • To enter the property after providing the tenant with reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) unless there is an emergency.

• To know the name and address of the landlord.   • To reside in a property that is in adequate condition for rental purposes and free from major defects.   • 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, without the landlord entering the property and disturbing 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).

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Can the tenant give the tenancy or sublet to someone else?

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How frequently can I put up the rent?