London Tenants Guide

Tenants Rights

• Your landlord must give at least 24 hours notice if they want access (except in an emergency).
  
• Landlords are generally responsible for the maintenance and major repairs to a property.
  The landlord by law, must make sure that all the gas appliances provided are maintained in good order and that a Gas Safety (used to be corgi)-registered plumber carries out a safety check each year. Keep a record of the safety checks.
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  The landlord must maintain all electrical installations (ie fixed wiring) and any electrical appliances they provide (ie cookers, kettles) and make sure they are safe to use. If your landlord supplies new appliances, he or she should also provide any accompanying instruction booklets.

• The landlord must make sure any furniture and furnishings they provide meet the fire resistance regulations.
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  The occupier is responsible for maintaining appliances which they own, or are entitled to take with them at the end of the letting.
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  The 2004 Housing Act requires there to be an adequate means of escape, depending on the size of the property, there may have to be smoke alarms and fire extinguishing equipment.

Your council's Environmental Health Officer will be able to give you more details about your landlord's obligations and can force your landlord to provide adequate fire precautions.

Tenants Responsibilities

• The Rent. If you are having difficulty paying rent you should get advice quickly. This is available from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

• You must pay other bills as agreed with the let. This includes electricity, gas, water, telephone, council tax and a TV licence.

• It is expected that you will respect neighbours - so no making excess noise, putting rubbish in the wrong place or obstructing common areas

• Tell your landlord if you are going away for longer than 14 days - because this will affect his/her insurance policy

• Keep the property secure at all times - so lock it when you go out and don't give keys to anyone else

• Tell your landlord when things need fixing to avoid bigger problems later, reporting the need for any repairs. Consult the landlord about any proposals to make alterations to the property.

• Do basic maintenance - e.g. change light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries

Links A London Tenant May Find Useful

Tenants Information

London Clearance

Property to let