Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities

Some of the rights and responsibilities of a tenant are enshrined in law. Others will be included in the assured shorthold tenancy contract that is signed by both parties before a tenant moves into a landlord’s property. We thought it might be useful to have a few of the most important rights and responsibilities listed here on the website.

Tenants' Rights

• A Safe Home. All tenants have the right to live in a safe and secure property. In practice, this means we provide you with keys for every point of entrance and make sure that all appliances and alarms are in full working order before you move in. We’ll make sure you know where important household items such as the fuse box and stopcock are located.
  
• Privacy. The landlord or letting agent must give the tenant the correct amount of notice before showing up at the property. We will never call around unannounced. We will typically give at least 24 hours’ notice before a visit.
  
• Paperwork. We’ll supply you with all the relevant documentation. This will include an inventory of everything that comes with the property, Energy Performance and Gas Safety Certificates, accurate meter readings, and our Tenant Information Pack that should contain answers to any further questions you may have.
  
• Deposit Protection. In keeping with the law concerning deposits, your deposit will be kept in a government-approved scheme and you will be provided with a copy of all the official information.
  

Tenants' Responsibilities

• Pay Rent. The rent must be paid in full and on time each month. Failure to keep up payments will result in eviction.
  
• Pay Bills. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that all bills generated by living in a property (e.g. water, gas, electricity, internet and council tax) are fully settled by the end of a tenancy.
  
• Look After the Property. The structure of a property is the landlord’s responsibility. But you must inform your letting agent of any damage straight away. Repair to damage caused to the fixtures and fittings may be paid for out of your deposit.
  
• Dispose of Waste. We looked at this topic in detail in a recent blog post on waste and recycling.
  
• Consider the Neighbours. It makes sense to have good relations with your neighbours. Keep noise to a minimum at night.
  
• Test Alarms. Smoke alarms will be in full working order when you start your tenancy. It is your responsibility to test them periodically in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  

In general, report anything that is broken or not working to your letting agent straight away. We will come and sort it out. Don’t let a minor problem (leaky pipe) become a major problem (flooded kitchen).

We pride ourselves on the good relationships that we forge with our tenants. If you are a responsible tenant looking for a well-maintained home to rent in Norwich and its surrounding areas, please get in touch. You can email us on hello@pearllettings.co.uk or call the office on 01603 980770.

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For a comprehensive guide to tenants’ rights and responsibilities, check out the government publication: How to rent: the checklist for renting in England.