Frequently Asked Questions By Tenants

By Author: Rick Flay
Total Articles: 3
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When a contract is on a monthly basis, how is this terminated?

Your tenancy agreement will lay down the notice period that you have to give if you need to terminate the agreement, usually it will be one calendar month.

Is the payment of a deposit necessary?

Yes. The value of the deposit will vary based on the property, from a month's rent up to a month and a half's rent. The deposit has to be paidahead of the tenant moving in and will be there to cover the landlord against possible harm to the property through the tenancy.

Will the deposit be refunded?

After the tenancy has ended the landlord will look at the property and make sure that there's no damage, other than tolerable wear . Providing there are no issues when the property is inspected the deposit is going to be returned.

What happens to my deposit in the beginning of the tenancy?

The deposit will be registered with and held with a government approved deposit scheme until the end of the tenancy. Following the inspection of the property at the end of the tenancy, if ...
... any deductions from the deposit are needed, this will be discussed.

Does the landlord require notice when in the last two months of a twelve month contract that's not being renewed?

If notice to terminate the agreement isn't given, it will continue on a one month's rolling basis.

What responsibilities lie with the landlord?

The tenancy agreement should clearly lay out the responsibilities of the landlord so there isn't any confusion.

What's the tenant responsible for?

As the tenancy agreement sets out the landlord's responsibilities, the tenancy agreement will also lay out the tenant's responsibilities.

Is the tenant or landlord responsible for the TV licence?

The tenant is liable for the provision of a TV licence.

How can it be ensured that the new tenant is not held responsible for damage caused by a previous tenant?

Many landlords supply the new tenant with an inventory that ought to be completed and returned to the landlord. If there is no inventory, then a tenant can photograph any damage and pass this onto the landlord to keep on record.

Does a tenant have any rights when they feel they're treated unfairly over items such as utilities or bills that have not been discussed?

The tenancy agreement should identify which party is in charge of specific bills. If this does not offer a solution to any disagreement then in the first instance the tenant should discuss with the landlord to find a resolution.

This article was written by Rick Flay, Managing Director of Belvoir Sheffield, the leading Letting Agents Sheffield. For more information about Sheffield Property Management please visit belvoirsheffield.co.uk