As a tenant in a rental property, it is extremely important to know your rights and responsibilities, especially if you are new to the rental business. Knowing the rules inside and out will not only help protect you legally, but also help make renting a positive experience for you, your landlord and your neighbors.
Let’s find out some of the key things you can and cannot do as a tenant.
What can I do as a tenant?
Tenants have many rights that must be respected by their landlord. Below, we have detailed the most important things you can do as a tenant.
Entering the property
Legally, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours notice before entering your home, except in an emergency, and agree with you on a convenient date and time. You may not refuse any request for inspection or repair.
Visiting friends and guests
As long as they do not harass or disturb other tenants or neighbors, you are free to invite friends or family to visit your rental property.
Rent Increases
Regardless of the type of tenancy, your landlord must ask your permission before increasing the amount of your rent.
To determine if a rent increase is “fair,” look at what similar properties in the area are charging. Remember, the rent review board may decide to increase your rent if they feel your landlord is charging less than the competition!
Ask for repairs
Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure of the building and the essential amenities of your unit. This means that if any of the following items break (due to wear and tear) or stop working, you must notify the landlord and ask them to arrange for repairs:
Gutters
Sinks
Toilets
Bathtubs/showers
Electricity
Gas/boiler
Water
Heating equipment
If you have asked your landlord to repair any of the above equipment and they refuse to do so, you can contact your local council housing authority, who can ensure that the landlord makes the repairs.
You cannot ask the landlord to replace light bulbs, it is your responsibility to carry out these basic maintenance tasks.
Get help if you are wrongfully evicted
If you are being evicted or forced out of your home illegally, that is, if the landlord has harassed you and you have not broken your tenancy agreement, there are several places you can go for help and advice, including your local council.
What can’t I do as a tenant?
Your restrictions as a tenant will depend somewhat on what has been described in the rental agreement, so always be sure to read it carefully before you sign. We recommend that you seek independent legal advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the agreement. There are also things you cannot do by law. Read on to learn more.
Breaking the rules of the lease
The rental agreement covers a lot of basic details, including the start and end dates of the rental, the amount of rent, when it must be paid, and how much notice must be given if the agreement is terminated. However, it may also contain other details, such as whether other people can use the property, whether you can keep pets, and whether the landlord will provide other additional services.
As long as the agreement is considered “fair,” you must abide by it. If you don’t follow it, you risk eviction.
Altering the rental property in any way
Unless you have a prior written agreement with your landlord, you may not decorate the property, including hanging things on the walls, putting up extra shelves, etc.
Using the property for commercial purposes
If you want to start a business from your home, you must first ask the landlord for permission.
Subletting the property
Again, if you wish to do this, you must get the landlord’s permission.
Damaging the rented property
The landlord is not responsible for cleaning up any mess or damage you create. If you accidentally damage the landlord’s property or furniture, you must pay for repairs or replacement yourself.
Participating in illegal activity
This may seem obvious, but if you want to avoid eviction (and possibly criminal prosecution), you must avoid participating in any form of illegal activity in your unit.
Harassing the neighbors
Be respectful of everyone in the building – would you want to be kept up until 3 a.m. if you had to work in the morning? Keep noise to a minimum and don’t leave trash in the common areas.
There are many things to consider when renting a place, but as long as you know the law and have a good relationship with your landlord, you shouldn’t have to worry. For more tips on renting, check out our blog, browse our rentals or contact us – we’re always happy to help!
What work can be done in a rental property?
