As a tenant you have certain rights and these should be clearly defined in your Rental Agreement. Your main rights are:

To live in a safe property

This means that the property has been checked by a qualified person to make sure primarily the gas and electricity is safe and that any items such as furniture pass the fire regulations. Ideally make sure the property is fitted with smoke alarms which are connected to the mains.

To live in a property peacefully.

Despite the fact that the landlord owns the property, you are paying them to rent it and as such have a right to live in the property without the landlord popping in whenever they feel like it!

There should be an agreed notice period should the landlord or letting agent wish to enter the property. Typically this is 48 hours. The only time a landlord/agent can access to the property without warning is during an emergency such as a fire or serious leak.

To have problems fixed within a reasonable time.

If you are paying to rent fixtures and fittings in a property you also have the right to have these things fixed when they go wrong. For example, if the property comes with a hoover which then breaks down, it’s important for the landlord to fix the hoover so that you can keep it clean. The same goes for a washing machine or cooker.

To have essential services- connected at all times.

Whatever happens between you and the landlord they can’t turn off essential utilities like gas, electricity and water. Ideally the utilities will be in your name if you are renting a whole property, so they won’t be able to do this anyway. If not, check your contract if the landlord tries to stop any of these services.

Before you move find out more about:

• Tenant property checklist
• Rental budget
• Tenancy agreements
• Lettings insurance
• Your landlord’s rights

Ready to move?

• Organise your building insurance for the time of exchange.
• Check and sign contracts to exchange.
• Give your deposit to the legal company
• Solicitor secures funds from mortgage lender
• Complete the sale and move in
• Register the transaction with the Land Registry

Once you’ve got the keys, it is your legal responsibility to make sure that either you or your legal representative have completed and filed the Land Tax Form (Stamp Duty) which confirms your property ownership.  

Key Legal Steps to Selling

1. Set up home services
2. Organise removals
3. Get a reliable man with a van
4. Check and sign contracts for exchange