Again, it’s clear that most landlords would never even contemplate committing any of the above offences. The vast majority of landlords continue to maintain high standards of conduct and behaviour. However, in the case of the small minority of landlords who might commit one of these offences, tenants can seek assistance from the local authority to act against their landlord. While the PRS has doubled in size since 2002, recent figures show that the share of all households renting privately has hovered around 19% to 20% since 2013-14. In 2017-18, the PRS accounted for 4.5 million, or 19%, of UK households. By way of comparison, the proportion of households in the social rented sector has not changed for over a decade.

Since 1 October 2014 it has been a legal requirement for lettings agents and property managers in England to join a government approved redress scheme. The Lettings agents and property managers: redress schemes guidance provides detailed information about the requirement and who it applies to. The letting agent should obtain membership of a government approved client money protection scheme if they hold client money. During a tenancy Your tenant cannot withhold rent because they think that it will be taken out of the deposit. Ensure your tenant has not left bills unpaid Before you can rent out your home, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the property is safe and fit for human habitation. If a property is unsafe or unfit you could be committing a civil or criminal offence, and may be subject to enforcement action by your local authority. In cases where it will be of benefit to the local area, local authorities have the power to license HMOs that are not covered by the national mandatory scheme. This is called Additional Licensing. withdrawing or withholding services which are reasonably required for the occupation of the property as a residence

The Gift Guide.

ensure a smoke alarm is installed on each floor of the property and that carbon monoxide detectors are present in any room with a coal fire or wood-burning stove If you are not considerate to your neighbours you could be evicted for anti-social behaviour. Your landlord may also be able to take legal steps to evict you. Not take in a lodger A property can be rented directly from a landlord, or indirectly through a letting agency. If renting indirectly, ensure the letting agency is part of a redress scheme and client money protection scheme if they are taking your rent or deposit. As of 1 June 2019, letting agents can no longer charge fees to tenants. 3. Finding the right home As a tenant, you have some responsibilities relating to how you use the property. This generally means you are responsible for the following actions: Pay the rent on time All ready have Air Conditioning and want a quote on a service contract? Please do not hesitate to call.

Your tenancy agreement with the tenant should make it clear who is responsible for paying bills such as council tax, gas, electricity and water. The tenant has the right to choose their energy supplier. Look after the propertyMore information is available in the How to rent guide, and specific guidance on the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015. Obtain licence (if applicable) Money Advice Service: This can provides free and impartial advice to help you manage your finances better.

A property guardian is someone who has entered into an agreement to live in a building or part of a building that would normally be otherwise empty for the purpose of securing and safeguarding the property. This can often be a building which was not intended to be used as a residence. Shelter: Shelter is a national housing charity. It offers a housing advice telephone helpline on 0808 800 4444 as well as face-to-face advice services. You can find out here if Shelter has an advice centre near you. Install all aspects of Air Conditioning ranging from one unit split system’s to VRF’s. There are many different indoor units to suit your requirements The Tenant Fees Act, coming into force on 1 June 2019, means that all fees charged by letting agents and landlords to tenants are banned, except for holding deposits, rent, deposits and charges for defaulting on the contract. Also, all of these allowable fees are subject to additional restrictions under the Act. Breach of the act

The main steps involved in renting a home in the private rented sector are shown in the steps above. are not given the required degree of notice to leave the property, which is a section 21 notice giving at least 2 months’ notice This document has been produced to help both landlords and tenants. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of both parties when letting or renting a property in the private rented sector (PRS). If the tenant still does not leave, the landlord must apply for a warrant for possession. This means bailiffs can legally remove the tenant from the property.