Consumer Rights Tenant Rights Equal Rights

Know your Rights Private Rented Accommodation: There are many different types of Accommodation available for rent.  The following is a brief summary of the most common types of accommodation. Bedsits: Suitable for no more than 1-2 persons. It is usually cheaper than a flat with less space and facilities available.  One room is used for sleeping, eating, cooking and living.Bathroom and toilet facilities are usually shared with other tenants in the building. Flat/Apartments: For 1 or more people depending on size. Self contained with separate bedroom/s and normally own bathroom. House-sharing: More space, self-contained and usually offers better equipment and facilities. It is usually the best value for money as the cost of renting can be split evenly between the tenants. Lodgings: A person would normally have their own bedroom although sometimes it may be sharing. You take meals at a time agreed with the host family and you would also be sharing their basic facilities i.e. Bathroom, Television. Landlord and Tenant agreements: Tenants have legal rights and duties when renting from landlords. They are derived from general landlord/tenant law as well as from any written or verbal tenancy greement between you and your landlord. . The following is a list of headings where it is helpful to know your rights should problems occur either as a Landlord or Tenant. Tenant Rights Privacy: As a tenant you are entitled to quiet enjoyment of your domicile. Your landlord is only allowed enter with your permission. Any repairs or inspection to be carried out by the landlord should be made by prior arrangement with the tenant. Tenant Duties These include paying your rent, keeping your premises in good order, avoiding damage or nuisance and complying with any special terms set down in your tenancy agreement, verbal or written. Landlord Duties Rent Books: Landlords are required by law to provide tenants with a rent book or written letting agreement or lease. All payments made to a landlord must be recorded in the rent book or by written statement. In addition to this the rent book must contain the information about tenancy i.e. The address of the dwelling Name and address of the landlord and his agent   (if any) Name of tenant Duration of the tenancy Amount of rent to paid and how it is to be paid Details of other payments ( electricity) Inventory of Contents: As a landlord you must record, in the rent book, details of furnishings and appliances provided. It is desirable (though not compulsory) to also record their condition as this can help prevent disputes about damaged or broken items. Landlord Rights: Court Order for Eviction: If a tenant doesn't leave on the appointed day, the landlord may go to court for an eviction order. Where a tenancy is legally over, the court will grant an order, which is carried out by the Sheriff. General Points to remember: Deposits: On agreeing to rent premises most Landlords look for a deposit (often a week's or a month's rent). The amount and purpose of the deposit must be recorded in the rent book. Leases and Letting Agreements: If you are signing a lease or agreement, it is important to read it carefully and to consider what you are agreeing