What are the obligations of a tenant?

Tenants and landlords both have rights and obligations. Some are set out explicitly in the tenancy agreement. The main things to be aware of are property repairs, use of the property and giving property access to the landlord.

Property repairs
A tenant must use the property in what’s called “a tenant like manner” meaning that the tenant will be responsible for any property repairs that are the fault of the tenant. The tenant is normally responsible for the interior condition of the property, but the tenancy agreement should be checked first as some landlords don’t allow tenants to redecorate.  Tenants must pay for anything that is broken or damaged in the property during the tenancy. If the tenant doesn’t pay for this at the time the landlord can deduct the cost from the tenancy deposit.

Use of the property
A tenant must use the property solely for residential purposes, not to run a business of any kind, as this may put the landlord in breach of local bye laws.

Property access for the landlord
The landlord will need to visit from time to time to carry out repairs and safety checks, and to check that the building is in good condition.  A tenant must allow the landlord property access but the landlord should always let the tenants know first.

The landlord will have a set of keys to the property but they should never use these without the tenant’s consent, except in an emergency.

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