Tenant responsibilities
As a tenant, you have the right to live undisturbed in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair. You should also know who your landlord is, and be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent.
In return you have certain responsibilities. You must:
Pay the rent on time
Rent is usually required in advance. If you fall behind with your rent, the landlord may be able to take legal steps to evict you.
Pay any other bills
Your tenancy agreement should make it clear who is responsible for paying bills such as council tax, gas, electricity and water. You have the right to choose your energy supplier. Failure to pay your bills may affect your credit rating.
Look after the property
The law requires you to use the property in a “tenant-like” manner. This includes:
- reporting any repairs needed to your landlord or letting agent
- if possible, making sure your home is well ventilated (to help avoid condensation and damp)
- carrying out minor maintenance (such as checking smoke alarms are working and changing light bulbs)
- disposing of all your rubbish and keeping the house reasonably clean
Be considerate to the neighbours
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
Unless it is expressly allowed for in your tenancy agreement, you will not be permitted to sub-let or accept a lodger without agreement from your landlord or letting agent. So you must always check first with your landlord if you are thinking of subletting the property or taking in a lodger.
Report any repairs and allow access for them to be addressed
It’s really important that you report any repair issues that arise so your landlord or letting agent can take action to fix them.
Landlords or letting agents should manage the property properly, but in some circumstances may argue that they weren’t able to carry out repairs because they weren’t aware of them. It’s therefore good practice to report any issues promptly and in writing. Reporting repairs may also form part of your tenancy agreement. If you do not report a repair issue and, as a result, a major problem occurs, your landlord may try to reclaim costs from your deposit.
Give notice if you want to leave
From 1 May 2026 you can choose to end your tenancy at any time by giving your landlord two months' notice.