your_rights

Many of the tenancy laws in London tend to favour the landlord - however
you do have some!

Make sure you check your lease agreement before signing. If you are unsure
of something - ASK. It is too late to do this once you have signed. If possible, get
a friend who has lived in London for a while to go over it with you - they may pick up
something that you've missed.
If changes are to be made to the agreement, make sure they produce a new fresh
draft. Having them scribble a change to the lease in pen will not be in your best interests
should a dispute arise at a later date.
Always check that the notice period the landlord gives you is the same that you can give
them. One of us was once asked to sign a lease whereby we had to give two months notice,
but the landlord could kick us out with only one!
If your landlord or agent wishes to come over to check the property, they MUST give
twenty-four hours notice. This includes towards the end of your agreement when agents will
want to show the property to future tenants. If they do not organise this ahead of time, you are
within your rights to refuse them entry. If you suspect they are entering the property (ie: while
you are at work) without calling ahead, warn them first, and if they persist - get in touch with your
tenancy tribunal.
It is within a landlords rights to renovate the flat at any time. They must give you notice
however, and regardless of the work undertaken, the flat must still be 'livable' at all times. That
is - have a functioning kitchen, bathroom and running water. If it is not, then you are entitled to
a refund in rent for the period that the property is unlivable. Tenancy tribunals offer free advice
should you find yourself in a dispute with your landlord over this issue.
Upon moving in to your new home, you should be asked to complete an asset check. If
you're not asked - do one yourself, and get the agent or landlord to sign it off in agreement.
The idea of this is to ensure that you are not hit up for existing damages or lost property
on moving out. Make sure you take your time on this, and get some friends to help if
you can. Note any stains in the carpets, or knocks in walls, and make a full list of
furniture and fittings. Include things like table lamps, any prints on the wall, curtains
etc. You can be certain that the agent or landlord will go over the flat with a fine
tooth comb when you move out - so safeguard yourself and avoid heartache later.

Many of the tenancy laws in London tend to favour the landlord - however you do have some! Make sure you check your lease agreement before signing. If you are unsure of something - ASK. It is too late to do this once you have signed. If possible, get a friend who has lived in London for a while to go over it with you - they may pick up something that you've missed. If changes are to be made to the agreement, make sure they produce a new fresh draft. Having them scribble a change to the lease in pen will not be in your best interests should a dispute arise at a later date. Always check that the notice period the landlord gives you is the same that you can give them. One of us was once asked to sign a lease whereby we had to give two months notice, but the landlord could kick us out with only one! If your landlord or agent wishes to come over to check the property, they MUST give twenty-four hours notice. This includes towards the end of your agreement when agents will want to show the property to future tenants. If they do not organise this ahead of time, you are within your rights to refuse them entry. If you suspect they are entering the property (ie: while you are at work) without calling ahead, warn them first, and if they persist - get in touch with your tenancy tribunal. It is within a landlords rights to renovate the flat at any time. They must give you notice however, and regardless of the work undertaken, the flat must still be 'livable' at all times. That is - have a functioning kitchen, bathroom and running water. If it is not, then you are entitled to a refund in rent for the period that the property is unlivable. Tenancy tribunals offer free advice should you find yourself in a dispute with your landlord over this issue. Upon moving in to your new home, you should be asked to complete an asset check. If you're not asked - do one yourself, and get the agent or landlord to sign it off in agreement. The idea of this is to ensure that you are not hit up for existing damages or lost property on moving out. Make sure you take your time on this, and get some friends to help if you can. Note any stains in the carpets, or knocks in walls, and make a full list of furniture and fittings. Include things like table lamps, any prints on the wall, curtains etc. You can be certain that the agent or landlord will go over the flat with a fine tooth comb when you move out - so safeguard yourself and avoid heartache later. next			Home Key Areas Letting Agents Tips Know Your Rights Accomodation UK PAYE Tax UK Ltd Co Tax UK Immigration Currency Converter FREE Email FREE Newsletter Message Boards Chat Rooms Your Restaurant Reviews Member Services World Headlines NZ News OZ News SA News Sports Headlines Features/Weather ©Copyright UKDiscovered Limited. All rights reserved.