As a tenant you have certain rights and responsibilities if you’re in privately rented property. As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair; have your
deposit returned when the tenancy ends – and in some cases have it protected; challenge excessively high charges; know who your landlord is; live in the property undisturbed; see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property; be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent; have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than three years.
When you start a new assured or short assured tenancy, your landlord must give you a copy of the ‘how to rent’ guide if you live in England; EPC certificate; confirmation documents regarding your deposit; and landlords gas safety certificate.
You must give your landlord access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs. Your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours’ notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it’s an emergency and they need immediate access. You must also take good care of the property; pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you’re in dispute with your landlord; pay other charges as agreed with the landlord; repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends. Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you don’t meet your responsibilities.