Responsibilities
A tenancy doesn't just give you rights - it also brings responsibilities. It's important to stick to the rules and not to break the terms of your tenancy agreement. As a private tenant, you have certain responsibilities connected with your occupation of the property. These will generally be detailed in your tenancy agreement and can be explained to you by contacting Cox & Company, but in summary the fundamental responsibilities that will apply are:
To pay your rent in full and on time
The tenancy agreement details very clearly how much, when and how the rent should be paid. As the tenant it is your responsibility to ensure that the rent is paid in full and on time. If you fall behind with your rent, it is likely that your landlord will issue notice for you to vacate the property and take legal action to recover any monies owed as well as possible expenses incurred in doing so.
Not to cause damage to the property
Fixtures, fittings and any furniture belonging to the landlord are in your care while you live in the property. You will need to look after the property and its contents and not cause damage or allow members of your household or visitors to do so.
Pay the Utility Bills
As a general rule, any bills which would normally be addressed to the occupier, including electricity, gas, water rates, council tax and TV licencing will become your responsibility as soon as the tenancy starts. Cox & Company will keep a record of meter readings, where appropriate, to assist with registering accounts at the beginning and end of the tenancy. It is important to pay any bills due, as any reconnection costs associated with services being suspended as a result of non payment, will need to be born by the tenant responsible.
To consult your landlord
Always put your request in writing if you would like your landlord to consider allowing you to alter the property in any way, and make sure you get your landlord's written permission before you go ahead. If in doubt, don't do anything until you have spoken to Cox & Company for advice.
To report the need for any repairs to the landlord
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. They are also required to ensure that gas and electrical installations comply with safety standards. As soon as you are aware of a problem that may give rise to a repair, you need to advise Cox & Company or your landlord.
As a tenant, you are responsible for:
Not to cause disturbance, nuisance or annoyance
As a responsible tenant, you will be obliged to respect the rights of your neighbours to quiet enjoyment of their respective homes. Whilst most people live quietly and are unlikely to give reason for compaints, the most common issues reported are:
For the purpose of inspections, viewings or carrying out repairs on the property, Cox & Company or the landlord will provide you with 24 hours notice in most cases, in writing where possible. In the event of emergencies however, we may require access to the property with shorter or even no notice where we have been unable to contact you by telephone.
To give proper notice to your landlord when you wish to leave the property
To pay your rent in full and on time
The tenancy agreement details very clearly how much, when and how the rent should be paid. As the tenant it is your responsibility to ensure that the rent is paid in full and on time. If you fall behind with your rent, it is likely that your landlord will issue notice for you to vacate the property and take legal action to recover any monies owed as well as possible expenses incurred in doing so.
Not to cause damage to the property
Fixtures, fittings and any furniture belonging to the landlord are in your care while you live in the property. You will need to look after the property and its contents and not cause damage or allow members of your household or visitors to do so.
Pay the Utility Bills
As a general rule, any bills which would normally be addressed to the occupier, including electricity, gas, water rates, council tax and TV licencing will become your responsibility as soon as the tenancy starts. Cox & Company will keep a record of meter readings, where appropriate, to assist with registering accounts at the beginning and end of the tenancy. It is important to pay any bills due, as any reconnection costs associated with services being suspended as a result of non payment, will need to be born by the tenant responsible.
To consult your landlord
Always put your request in writing if you would like your landlord to consider allowing you to alter the property in any way, and make sure you get your landlord's written permission before you go ahead. If in doubt, don't do anything until you have spoken to Cox & Company for advice.
To report the need for any repairs to the landlord
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. They are also required to ensure that gas and electrical installations comply with safety standards. As soon as you are aware of a problem that may give rise to a repair, you need to advise Cox & Company or your landlord.
As a tenant, you are responsible for:
- looking after internal decorations, furniture and equipment. This excludes 'fair wear and tear' though. If the carpet becomes thin with age, it's fair wear and tear; if you burn a hole in it, you'll probably have to pay for it.
- not using appliances that you think might not be safe
- reporting any repairs needed or other problems that you are aware of
- minor maintenance such as checking smoke alarms are working, replacing batteries, filters and changing light bulbs etc
- If you cause any damage or break anything, you'll need to repair or replace it.
- dealing with your rubbish properly. Make sure it's bagged up properly, and only put out when and where it's supposed to be
- sticking to any terms in your tenancy agreement regarding pets, parking, gardening etc
- heating the property adequately and making sure it's kept well ventilated. In particular, make sure that if you go away during the winter leaving the property unoccupied, you ensure the heating is left on a timer to keep the place warm. A burst water pipe may be your landlord's responsibility to fix, but it's still your home that will be flooded!
Not to cause disturbance, nuisance or annoyance
As a responsible tenant, you will be obliged to respect the rights of your neighbours to quiet enjoyment of their respective homes. Whilst most people live quietly and are unlikely to give reason for compaints, the most common issues reported are:
- having the stereo or TV on too loudly
- not keeping pets under control
- allowing your children to be a nuisance
- leaving rubbish piled up everywhere
- making a lot of noise outside your home, or when you come in
- using the house for illegal activities, such as drug dealing.
For the purpose of inspections, viewings or carrying out repairs on the property, Cox & Company or the landlord will provide you with 24 hours notice in most cases, in writing where possible. In the event of emergencies however, we may require access to the property with shorter or even no notice where we have been unable to contact you by telephone.
To give proper notice to your landlord when you wish to leave the property
If you want to move out, it is very important to end your tenancy properly first. You can't just post the keys through the letterbox and walk away. Otherwise you could end up still being liable for the rent, utilities and security of the property, even though you may no longer be living there. Always check your tenancy agreement for the length of notice you are required to give and check that you have adhered to the terms required. If in doubt, call Cox & Company for advice.
As well as not breaking any of the terms of your tenancy agreement yourself, you are also responsible for the behaviour of everyone in your household and of anyone visiting you.
As well as not breaking any of the terms of your tenancy agreement yourself, you are also responsible for the behaviour of everyone in your household and of anyone visiting you.