Rights and responsibilities of tenants

Rights and responsibilities of tenants

A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant - it outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. 

Everyone living in rented accommodation has the right to a warm, safe and healthy home, free from health and safety hazards. 

To achieve this, your landlord should: 

  • provide you with all ‘start of tenancy’ paperwork - this includes a copy of the How to rent guide, a Gas Safety Certificate (where gas is supplied to the property), information about which tenancy deposit protection scheme your deposit has been protected with and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 
  • ensure that your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
  • maintain the exterior and structure of your home and maintain any appliances and furniture they have supplied 
  • carry out repairs in a timely manner and arrange an annual safety check for any gas appliances 

As a tenant you are responsible for: 

  • paying your rent on time and paying any other bills associated with your home, as outlined in your tenancy agreement 
  • looking after your home including reporting repairs and carrying out minor maintenance  
  • being considerate to your neighbours 
  • not taking in a lodger (unless your tenancy agreement says you can do this) 
  • testing any smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home 

If you breach your tenancy agreement, your landlord may be able to take legal steps to evict you. 

More information