Student tenancy
Rights and responsibilities
As a tenant you expect to be treated fairly, but you also have to keep your side of the bargain, and that means showing consideration, not just for your landlord and neighbours, but also for the property you're renting and the local environment.
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Take care. You have a legal duty to ensure that your house, its fixtures and fittings are treated with care and kept in good condition. As a tenant you're also responsible for day-to-day maintenance like replacing light bulbs, defrosting fridges/freezers etc. If you fail to do any of this, or if you or your visitors cause deliberate damage, you can be held responsible for repair or replacement - and it's worth remembering that your landlord can deduct the cost from your deposit.
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Don't be a nuisance. Avoid activities that cause nuisance or disturbance to the neighbours and other people in the area e.g. Playing loud music, vandalism, rubbish dumping or offensive behaviour.
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Pay up on time. Pay your rent as stated in your tenancy agreement and let your landlord know if you have difficulty making a payment on the due date. If you regularly fall into arrears, you may find yourself liable for extra charges. Unless your agreement states otherwise, you'll also be responsible for paying all utility bills (gas, electricity, water, telephone) for the period of your tenancy.
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Council Tax. Full-time students are exempt from paying council tax as long as they provide the Council Tax Unit with proof of their student status.
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Your tenancy agreement. Make sure you read your tenancy agreement. It's a legal contract between you and your landlord and it's important to understand it.
Tenancy Don'ts:
- Don't think about carrying out any alterations your house without asking your landlord.
- Unless you have permission from your landlord you can only use it for residential purposes, not running a business.
- You cannot sublet, pass on or give up the tenancy without written permission.
Since April 2007 all landlords have been required to safeguard your deposit by using a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. Once you have paid your deposit your landlord must inform you of the scheme they are using within 14 days. This will mean you will get back your deposit if you are entitled to it and you can settle any agreement without going to court.
For further information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/housing
