► Rights and responsibilities

As a tenant you have certain rights and responsibilities.  The majority of students will have ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancies’ which allow them certain legal rights but other rights and responsibilities may be added to your contract after discussion with the landlord.

If you are a member of a House of Multiple Occupancy (over three storeys and more than five tenants) you have additional rights as your landlord has to hold a valid license.

Tenants' rights and responsibilites


Responsibilities...
To pay your rent on time
To allow your landlord access to do repairs etc (normally with 24 hour notice of his arrival)
To avoid causing nuisance or disturbance to other people within your community
To report repairs which need to be carried out
To take care of the property and its furniture, fixtures and fittings
Ensure there is a Gas Safety Certificate for the property
Request a current Electrical Safety Certificate
Ensure the property is fire safe
Keep to any agreement with regard to utility bills etc. and make sure they are paid before you leave
Supply copies of your Council Tax Exemption letters to the local authority
To take out contents insurance for your personal property

Rights...
To be left alone to live in your accommodation without interference from the landlord
To have repairs carried out promptly and to a decent standard
To be covered by a current Gas Safety Certificate
To have furnishings that comply with the Furnishings and Furniture (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988
To have a written copy of the tenancy agreement
To live in your accommodation without fear of harassment

Harassment

Harassment is anything that your landlord, or other tenants, do to make you feel unsafe in your own home. Some common forms of harassment are:

Entering your accommodation without prior warning (especially your own room)
Not carrying out repairs and leaving the property to fall into a dangerous state           
Changing locks while you're out          
Refusing guests entry
Making threats
Sending repair workers around without notice
Being abusive
Harassment, especially due to race, culture, sex or sexuality.

If you feel you are being harassed...
Keep a log of dates, times and occurrences, and take photos if appropriate
Try to get an independent witness to any conversations you have with the person who is harassing you
Write to the person complaining about their actions
Keep copies of all letters

Should you run into any difficulties with regards to your rights and responsibilities contact SUAC









 

Bookmark and Share