Software Solutions For The Property Market
Information for Tenants
This article outlines some important Information for tenants. Nowadays our population is far more mobile and there is a constant and steadily growing demand for property to rent, for a variety of reasons such as short term employment contracts, training, university students, etc. Furthermore the trend these days for many individuals is to live alone thus increasing demand for smaller units of accommodation. A further reason for growing demand for rented homes is the increase in population.
Tenants who seek accommodation on rent should seek out an ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) Member firm for probity and protection. It leads certain levels of professionalism and commitment to customer service from its membership. Other important Information for tenants are as follows:
Tenancy Agreement
The most common form of tenancy agreement used is an "Assured Shorthold" (an AST) under the 1988 Housing Act (amended 1996). This type of tenancy offers the most flexibility to both landlord and tenant; has straightforward notice procedures for bringing the tenancy to an end.
Tenancy Deposit
Tenancy Deposit of four to six weeks rent to be required to be held during the tenancy against the satisfactory performance by the tenant of all the various obligations under the tenancy agreement, mainly, relating to the cleanliness and condition of the property.
A "Break-Clause"
This a clause by which two months written notice is allowed at any stage after a particular date or period of the tenancy, thus terminating the tenancy earlier than the end of the original fixed term.
To end an Existing Tenancy early
To end an existing tenancy early either party might request the other that a formal "surrender" of the tenancy be allowed. It would then be up to the parties to agree the terms and conditions of such a surrender. This might include some financial compensation for inconvenience or costs incurred.
Increase in rent
In general terms, rent of an existing tenancy can only be increased annually. Where an assured shorthold tenancy holds over as a statutory periodic tenancy, a specific prescribed form (a section 13 notice) must be used to notify tenants of a proposed increase in the rent.
Rights of Access to the Property
A landlord, or his agent, or someone authorised to act on his behalf has a right to view the property to assess its condition and to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance at reasonable times of the day. The law says that a landlord or agent must give a tenant at least 24 hours prior notice in writing (except in an emergency) of such a visit.
Repairs & Maintenance Issues
It is the responsibility of the tenant to report disrepair promptly; to make sure that neither the tenant nor guests damage the property, its fixtures and fittings; it is the tenant who should replace the minor things such as light bulbs, fit a new battery in a smoke or CO2 detector, tighten an odd screw which has come loose on a door handle etc.; to keep the property reasonably warm and aired to help prevent condensation or freezing of pipes; to leave the property secure when absent from it; to keep the garden and other areas reasonably tidy and free from rubbish.
Knowledge of Name and Address of the Landlord
The tenant has the right to know the name and address of the Landlord under the law this should be provided within 21 days of formal written request by the tenants.
Renewals and extensions of a Tenancy
If no further fixed term is created to follow on from the end-date of original term, and assuming notice to end the tenancy has not been served, the tenancy can simply hold over as a "periodic tenancy" e.g. rolling on with basically the same terms and conditions.
Tenancy Termination
The law is relatively straightforward as long as the right timescales and procedures are followed, along with the use of the correct format of notice. The timescales, procedures and format will vary dependent upon the type, and the status of the tenancy at the time you wish to end the tenancy.
Extended stay
If a tenant does not move out after a tenancy has been lawfully terminated then the landlord can apply to the Courts for a possession order. Under the Accelerated Possession Procedure, the process is usually fairly quick and inexpensive.
The information in this article is designed to provide general information only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
Our Products
Case Study
1st Letting
1st Letting is a residential letting specialist in Coventry and Warwickshire, and is an ARLA member. 1st Letting strives to offer a second to none service with great aftercare, through a small, experienced and caring team.
1st Letting place the safety of its tenants above all else. As such, the need to ensure gas safety, fire and electrical records, and all other areas of compliance, are current and up to date is paramount.
1st Letting place the safety of its tenants above all else. As such, the need to ensure gas safety, fire and electrical records, and all other areas of compliance, are current and up to date is paramount.
Request A Call Back
VTUK Goes Green
22.01.10
VTUK, the UK’s largest independent property management software supplier, is leading the way in combating climate change by embracing the Government’s Act on CO2 initiative to become a carbon neutral business.
