Landlords and Tenants Guide for Renting
A person who rents out a home or property to other people is known as landlord. Whereas a person who occupies a house or property rented out by landlord is known as tenant. Most people live on rents and you will find many buy to let landlords who rent out their homes or properties. The rent disputes are also the common talk of every town. This is because landlords and tenants have no idea about their duties and rights. Just read this Landlords and Tenants Guide for Renting.
#1-Rent Agreement
Rent agreement is a written contract between the landlord and tenant, which specifies the conditions to occupy, use and vacate the specific property. Duration of rent agreement is normally 12 months. Before moving in the tenant pays 2 months’ rent in advance as security and 1 month’s rent as advance rent payment. After 12 months, rent agreement is either renewed or tenant vacates the property. There is generally 10% annual increase in the rent amount if rent agreement is renewed.
#2-Handover of Property
After signing the rent agreement the next stage is the property handover by the landlord to the tenant. Firstly landlord should receive the deposit money from the tenant. Secondly landlord should give the keys of the property to the tenant. Thirdly both the landlord and tenant should note the meter readings. Fourthly tenant should get briefing from the landlord about the use of different appliances. Fifthly the tenant should also acquire about the payment the utility bills.
#3-Duties and Rights of Landlords
Duties of Landlords
A landlord has the following obligations;
Landlord has to register the rent agreement with the nearby police station
Landlord can’t enter home without the permission of the tenant
Landlord has to make sure that the property is properly maintained before it is occupied by the tenant
Landlords have to pay the tenants for repairs they will do on their behalf
Landlord has to give at least one month’s notice to the tenant before eviction
Rights of Landlords
A landlord has the following rights;
Landlord has the right to set the rent
Landlord has the right to collect rent on due date
Landlord has the right to be informed about the condition of property
Landlord has the right to charge for the damages caused by the tenant
Landlord should be given one month’s notice if tenant wants to move to another property
#4-Duties and Rights of Tenants
Duties of Tenants
A tenant has the following obligations;
Tenant has to pay the rent on time
Tenant has to pay all extra charges mentioned in rent agreement like utility bills
Tenant has to keep the property in good condition
Tenant has to inform the owner if repairs are needed
Tenants have to inform the landlords if they want to end the tenancy agreements
Rights of Tenants
A tenant has the following rights;
Tenant has the right to enjoy peaceful living
Tenant has the right to be paid for the repairs done on the behalf of landlord
Tenant can end rent agreement at one months notice
Tenant has the right to get a copy of rent agreement
Tenant can reclaim the deposit at the end of rent agreement
#5-Solving the Disputes
There can be disputes during the tenancy agreement. Most disputes happen on the non payment of rent, eviction and misuse of property. To solve the issue both landlord and tenant should first consult themselves. If problem exists, then they should call in their estate agents to solve the dispute. But if problem still exists, then both parties should go to the court to resolve the issue. Important thing is that both parties should remain professional to avoid the fight.