Renting for the first time can be tricky. Make sure you know your rights so you don't get caught out.
Moving out is exciting, yet renting for the first time (or even the third) can be a complicated process. Here is some advice for first-time renters that we every student wishes they had known before moving to university.
Firstly, it’s important to know your legal rights. These will be outlined in your tenancy contract, but here are a couple of key ones:
You have the right to live on the property undisturbed.
To enter your house, the landlord and estate agents must give 24 hours' notice, and the only exception is an emergency, such as a fire or gas leak.
You have the right to know your landlord
While many student houses are mass-owned and managed by estate agents, you have the right to know the identity of your landlord
Landlords are responsible for maintenance and repair of certain utilities
If you have a problem with your electrical and gas appliances, water and boiler, plumbing, sinks, baths and toilets and the property structure, including doors and windows, then it’s your landlord’s responsibility to fix them.
A landlord can evict their tenants under certain terms
There are a couple of reasons that legally allow landlords to evict their tenants. These include illegal activity within the house, a serious nuisance to the neighbours, subletting, breaching the tenancy agreement and being more than two months late on rent. If you have signed a fixed-term tenancy, the landlord cannot ask you to leave early without proper reason.
You will receive your deposit back if you adhere to the terms and conditions
Providing you haven’t caused damage to the property, you legally must receive your deposit in full at the end of the tenancy (it’s worth taking photos after you’ve cleaned for proof in case there’s a dispute).
Our advice
Be firm but friendly with your landlord or estate agent
Knowing your rights when asking for maintenance to be carried out will prove to the agent that you are well informed. For example, if you ask for a light bulb to be replaced, it may be your responsibility (i.e. if it needs replacing during your tenancy). However, if the bulb was not working before moving into the property, then the landlord should replace it.
It’s always worth staying on your landlord’s good side. While there may be tension or frustration at either end, it will always benefit you to stay friendly and polite. Plus, they are likely to offer you a reduced tenancy at the end to stay on in the property and carry out any maintenance quicker.
Know how to deal with damp
Dampness is a common problem for students, but it is often the responsibility of the tenants to ventilate the property. That means you’ll need to keep windows open when possible. Consider buying a dehumidifier and wiping down the walls.
Don’t miss a rent payment
Remember that missing two consecutive rent payments is a one-way ticket to eviction. An easy way to stay on top of your rent payments is to set up a standing order. This is a way of telling your bank that you want to send x amount of money to the landlord on a set date each month, so you don’t have to remember to do it.
Keep the agency or landlord, informed
Tell them about any maintenance issues throughout your tenancy, rather than leaving it until the end. When a problem arises, mention it. They may assist you in getting it fixed and, the sooner you mention it, the quicker the fix will be.
For example, if you move in and notice that your mattress is unusable (i.e. you can feel and hear the springs, and it is painful to sleep on), don’t wait to see if you can sleep on it without problems. Mention it immediately and state your reasons for expecting a new mattress to be provided. A firm but sure approach is key to a convincing argument.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
If some of your deposit is taken and you feel that this is unjust, ask your agency or landlord about it. More often than not, you’ll get it back when you prove that the terms of the agreement have been met, for example, with a thorough domestic clean at the end of the tenancy.
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