Lack of Trust Between Landlords and Tenants causes problems
Trust and respect between landlords and tenants is becoming rare nowadays. Online property forums are full of comments by landlords voicing their doubts about their tenants, saying literally everything and its opposite, from “Should I trust my tenant if they are not willing to pay a 12 month rent upfront?” to “Should I trust my tenants if they are willing to pay 12 months of rent upfront?”
However, landlords should know that, student or not student, immigrant or not immigrant, willing or not so willing to pay, being paranoid about their tenant does not help.
On the other hand, such lack of trust mirrors a lack of respect on the tenant’s side. Renting a house from a stranger seems to give tenants the implicit right to neglect the rules and be disrespectful towards landlords and their properties.
With Arthur, the new online property management software, we try to rebuild trust and respect between landlords and tenants by offering them a platform where they can be seamlessly connected, carry out tasks, deliver documents and communicate requests.
In light of this, we also wanted to remind you what are, according to the government, some of your rights but also your responsibilities as a tenant and as a landlord.
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 circumstances 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 3 years
You also have the responsibility to:
- give your landlord access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs.
- 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
- only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement, or your landlord, allows it
As a landlord, you have the responsibility to keep the property safe and free from health hazards (Gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety) and you are always responsible for repairs to:
- the property’s structure and exterior
- basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
- heating and hot water
- gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
- electrical wiring
- any damage they cause through attempting repairs
If you are a property manager, property owner, landlord or letting agent, your business will save time and money by using Arthur. Try out the free Arthur Demo today to see how!
