Understanding your landlord’s responsibilities

As a tenant in a private rental property, it’s important to know what your landlord must do. This helps protect your rights and ensures you have a safe and comfortable place to live. Here’s a simple guide to your landlord’s main responsibilities:

1. Maintenance and Repairs

Your landlord must keep the property in good condition. This includes:

• Structural repairs: Fixing problems with the roof, walls, windows, and doors.
• Plumbing and heating: Making sure the plumbing, heating, and hot water systems work properly.
• Appliances must be safe, functional and fit for purpose.

2. Health and Safety

Your landlord must make sure the property meets health and safety standards. This includes:

• Gas safety: Annual checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer and giving you a copy of the gas safety certificate.
• Electrical safety: Regular inspections and tests of electrical systems and appliances to ensure they are safe and functional.

3. Respecting Your Privacy

Your landlord should respect your privacy. They must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property, unless it’s an emergency.

4. Handling Deposits

Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This ensures you get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy if you meet the terms of your agreement.

5. Providing Essential Information

Your landlord must give you:

• A copy of the tenancy agreement: Outlining the terms and conditions of your rental.
• An energy performance certificate (EPC): Showing the energy efficiency of the property.
• The Government’s ‘How to Rent’ guide.

6. Addressing Complaints

If you have any issues or complaints, your landlord should address them quickly. They should give you contact details and respond to your concerns.

Knowing your landlord’s responsibilities helps ensure a positive rental experience. If you feel your landlord is not meeting these obligations, you can seek advice from Torbay Council or the various local support organizations listed below.

Remember, a good landlord-tenant relationship is built on mutual respect and clear communication. As a tenant, you also have the responsibility of looking after the property you are renting, keeping it clean and tidy and to promptly report faults to your landlord.