When you’re renting a property, it’s important to be aware of your rights as a tenant. Landlords have certain responsibilities and obligations to ensure your safety, privacy, and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things that a landlord is not allowed to do, providing you with valuable information and empowering you as a tenant.
As leading estate agents in Ilford, we’ve helped many clients successfully buy and sell properties in East London. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our top tips and insights to help you do the same
What you can find in this article:
- Invasion of Privacy
- Unauthorized Rent Increases
- Retaliation or Harassment
- Neglecting Repairs and Maintenance
- Violating Security Deposit Rules
Discrimination
A landlord, such as Remax Star Estate Agents in Ilford, is prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on factors such as race, religion, gender, disability, or familial status. It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent a property, treat tenants differently, or terminate a tenancy agreement based on discriminatory reasons.
Invasion of Privacy
Your privacy is protected as a tenant. Landlords cannot enter your rented property without giving proper notice, typically 24 to 48 hours, except in emergency situations. They are not allowed to access your unit at any time without your consent or without a valid reason
Unauthorized Rent Increases
Landlords are obligated to follow local laws and regulations regarding rent increases. They cannot raise the rent arbitrarily or excessively during a fixed-term tenancy unless specified in the rental agreement. Rent increases usually require proper notice and should be within the legal limits set by the relevant authorities.
Retaliation or Harassment
Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights or report issues. It is illegal for a landlord to evict, harass, or intimidate a tenant for reasons such as requesting repairs, joining a tenant organization, or making a complaint to the appropriate authorities.
Neglecting Repairs and Maintenance
Remax Star Estate Agents in Ilford, like any responsible landlord, is required to maintain the property in a habitable condition. They must address repairs promptly, especially those affecting health and safety. Landlords cannot ignore critical issues that impact the well-being of their tenants, such as plumbing problems, electrical faults, or structural issues.
Violating Security Deposit Rules
If a landlord collects a security deposit, they must adhere to the regulations concerning its handling. They are not allowed to use the deposit for non-allowed purposes or withhold it without a valid reason. Typically, landlords are required to provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining deposit within a specified timeframe after the tenancy ends.
