If something breaks in the house who is responsible to fix it and if I break something, will I not get my deposit money back?
These may be some questions that you ask yourself when letting a property from a landlord. If so, the answers and much more information is below.
Deposits
Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) means that landlords who collect deposits, or agents who do so on their behalf, must join a statutory scheme to ensure tenants get their deposit, or part of it back, if they have kept a property in good condition.
Disputes over how much should be returned will be mediated by an independent dispute solving service.
Rent and repairs
An agreed rent must be paid on time and if this is not done, landlords may take court action to have tenants evicted.
If a person pays weekly rent, a rent book must be provided. It may be possible for tenants to seek housemates to move in as subtenants or lodgers. It is vital to ask a landlord’s permission for this otherwise a tenant may be in breach of their agreement.
Landlords must by law do repairs to keep the building in good condition for example keep the gas, electricity, heating and water equipment up to scratch and do other agreed work. Landlords must have a valid gas safety certificate for every gas appliance and furniture should be fire resistant.
Tenants are responsible for looking after their home which includes keeping it clean, and simple tasks such as changing bulbs and fuses. If repairs need to be done, tenants should inform the landlord. If the landlord refuses to do them it may be possible to force them to.
