Tenants

A tenant is someone who pays rent to the owner to lease a property for a fixed period of time.

Brief History of Tenants

In the 19th century, tenant’s organisations begin to protest against high rents imposed by private landlords. These early protests led to the development of public housing.

In the 1920s and 1930s, a National Tenants Federation is formed which campaigned to build and improve community facilities. The demand for subsidised council housing grows after the end of the war in 1945. Massive building programmes are introduced throughout the country. In the late 1940s, tenants associations begin to form on new council estates and new towns. The National Association of Tenants & Residents was founded in 1948.

In the 1960s, many tenants participate in strikes to protest against the council’s plan to increase rents. In the 1970s, The National Tenants Organisations was formed. They help to negotiate significant tenants’ rights including security of tenure for council tenants.

In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher’s government brings in the Right to Buy. As more and more people become homeowners, tenant organisations start to become redundant.

However, in 1988, a new wave of tenant protests is launched against the Tenants Choice legislation. Many anti-sell off and anti-Housing Action Trust protests take place leading to the formation of the National Tenants & Residents Federation.

In 2000, a Housing Inspectorate is formed which is responsible for ensuring minimum standards are met across social housing.

Choosing a Flatmate

Choose someone who shares similar values and standards as you. It is much easier to live together if you have the same levels of cleanliness, enjoy the same sense of humour and have a similar attitude to paying the bills, ie. promptly!

It is never a good idea to offer to share a flat with someone who you are hoping to have a relationship with. If it goes wrong, it may be a disaster for the entire household! Before agreeing to share a flat or house, try to meet with the people involved as many times as possible to get to know them. During these meetings, openly discuss your lifestyles, likes and dislikes.

How to share a flat and be happy

Sharing a home with friends and flatmates is fun. However, be prepared for the many pitfalls you may encounter. Before you start living together, sit down and make a list of rules. Agree on rules about household bills and other shared costs, cleanliness, noise levels, security, privacy, cooking, shopping, sharing food, toiletries, televisions and having overnight guests.

Making a rota and sticking to it helps to avoid problems. Boring I know but it will help to keep things running smoothly which in turn will mean less arguments! Regular house meetings will help to keep the channels of communication open and keep things running smoothly. Accept that you will have to make many compromises. Always be courteous and respectful to your housemates.

Tenants Legal Tips

Tenancy agreements are legally binding contracts between a landlord and tenant which sets out both the legal and contractual responsibilities and obligations of the two parties. If you share a flat or house, the tenancy will state that the people living together are ,”jointly and severally” responsible.

Read tenancy agreements carefully before putting your signature on any legal document. If you are unclear about an issue, do not be hesitant about seeking proper advice.

Confirm all important tenancy issues in writing and remember to keep a copy. When choosing a letting agent, use the services of those who are members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents or ARLA.

Important Tenancy Issues

A property can come “fully furnished” or “unfurnished”. The former comes with all the main fixtures, furnishings and fittings, including electrical appliances and essentials such as kitchenware. The latter would normally only include basics – carpets, curtains and light fittings. Ask to see an inventory to ensure you are clear on what is included before you move in.

Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is habitable and meets fire, gas and electrical safety standards. Your landlord is generally responsible for any repairs and maintenance required, unless the damage is done by the tenant or guests.

Tenants are required to pay rent when it is due and look after the property as if it were your own. Any damage must be reported promptly. Tenant Insurance can covers things like this.

Tenants are normally required to produce a deposit of an amount equivalent to between four to six weeks’ rent. This is held by the letting agent or owner for the duration of the tenancy and refunded at the end of the tenancy if the property is returned in good condition.