You might not own the property but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any responsibilities. These include:
Your responsabilities
- Paying your rent on time
- Complying with the terms of the Tenancy Agreement
- Paying all the bills you are responsible for on time
- Insuring any furniture or contents that belong to you
- Looking after the property and what is in it
- Reporting repairs or damage as soon as possible
- Allowing reasonable access for repairs and inspection
- Making sure you and your visitors don’t harass, annoy or cause a nuisance
- Giving proper notice when you plan to leave
Damage and repairs
It is important to look after your home and keep it in a good condition. Your Tenancy Agreement should tell you which parts of the house you are responsible for maintaining.
You should report any damage and make requests for repairs as soon as possible as any delay could make the problem worse.
Even if your landlord has told you just to ring if there are any problems you should always report any damage and request repairs in writing. Make sure you date your email or letter and keep a copy for your records as you may need this if there is any dispute at a later date.
You landlord has the right to reasonable access to the property to carry out repairs. Except in the case of an emergency your landlord should give your landlord should give you 24 hours’ before coming to carry out the repairs. You should do your best to allow access at reasonable times.
If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs do not withhold your rent. If you do you could be at risk of losing your home.
Newcastle City Council’s Public Protection and Neighbourhoods Team may be able to help enforce some repairs such as leaking roofs, damaged toilets, faulty electric circuits or damp walls and rooms. You can call them on 0191 2787878.