Easy Guide to tenants responsibilities in plain english

As a tenant, what am I responsible for?

As soon as you move into your rental property it’s you’re responsibility to keep it clean, un-damaged and secure. So let your landlord/ letting agent know if you are going on holiday for example so they can keep an eye on the place for you.

It’s your home and you have the right to enjoy it without unnecessary interference. However, from time to time the letting agent or landlord will want to make checks on the property, so ask for a few days notice so you can make yourself available for these meetings.

Paying your rent on-time! Rent is usually paid monthly in advance, so check your tenancy agreement as if you fall behind with your rent you could find yourself facing eviction. If it’s unclear, ask your landlord to clarify payment dates and set-up standing orders so you’re up to date with the rent.

Insist the landlord give you a detailed copy of a property inventory but don’t sign it until you agree with it. Take photographs of the condition of the property and the garden and make sure these are signed and dated by the landlord or letting agent.

 Re-read your written tenancy agreement a few months before your rental period is ending. If you are moving out of the property, check your tenancy agreement and give your landlord or letting agent the proper notice.

Leave the property as close as possible to the state of the property at the beginning of your tenancy (allowing for wear and tear).

Take final meter readings for electric, water, and gas and get this signed of by your landlord or letting agent.