When you become a tenant you automatically take on certain responsibilities in exchange for  certain rights.  Your tenancy agreement will typically be 4-5 pages long and specify the details of the agreement between you and the Landlord. It sets out clearly your responsibilities and
you should read it carefully. It should show:

• The name(s) of the Landlord and tenant
• The address of the property
• How much the rent and deposit is
• The duration of the contract
• House rules
• Dates of any future rent reviews

The main things that you are responsible for are:

• Paying your rent on time – usually on or before the 1st of the month
• Paying energy bills or any yearly due property/personal tax bills i.e. council tax (unless you have an agreement with the Landlord that he will pay)
• Respecting the House Rules. Don’t disturb your neighbours with loud music during the night, put rubbish in the wrong place or obstruct common walkways with bikes/clutter.
• Look after the property as if was your own.

Your agent’s job is to find you a suitable property, arrange mutually convenient viewing times, perform a reference/credit check (to ensure the rent requirements can be met), arrange the signing of the tenancy agreement and transfer of rent and deposit to your Landlord.

Once we have completed this service with you, we will usually hand the matter over to the Landlord or management company who will continue to service your property and handle any matters/concerns that you have relating to your property. In the case of a management company you will be dealing with a company that specialises in this service and questions/incidents should be resolved relatively quickly. This is good news as the Landlord or the company acting on his behalf, must maintain the building. This does not however renage your responsibility to the property and you must take good care of it.

For example, you should:

• Keep the property secure at all times – this means locking the property when leaving it and  not giving your keys to anyone else.
• Don’t leave leaking pipes, loose fittings and damp build-up.  Inform your Landlord to avoid bigger problems later.
• Do basic maintenance e.g. change light bulbs, change batteries in smoke alarms and unclog the sewer etc.

You should not:

• Engage in any illegal activity at the property e.g. using the apartment for anything else than what is specified in the tenancy agreement.
• Re-decorating without written permission from your Landlord.
• Sub-letting the property to someone else – unless of course, the landlord says that you may do so.

Deposits and inventories
In most cases you will be asked to pay a deposit.  Ensure that you receive a receipt for it if you pay cash.  Bank transfers are traceable. The deposit will usually be equal to one month’s rent (furnished apartments and in case of pets can be 2 times higher!).  Your deposit is the Landlord’s security on his property and furnishings.  If you do not look after the property or
leave it in a terrible condition he is within his rights to deduct a suitable amount to put the damage right.  When you do move out never cancel your last rent payment and expect the Landlord to use the deposit instead.  This is NOT allowed and you will be breaking the terms of your contract if you do.

Here are some tips to ensure the return of your deposit and avoid disputes:

• Get a detailed inventory done at the start and end of the tenancy.  Make notes of anything not in good condition or broken.
• Check windows, catches, flooring and in particular bathroom areas for mould, broken tiles and stiff taps.
• Always be present for an inventory check, if you cannot be there personally ask a trusted  friend or colleague.
• If there is no inventory make one yourself and send a copy to your Landlord and agent. Sign and date it.
• Return the property as it was handed to you with everything put back in its original place e.g. if you have moved things to accomodate your own style/preference.
• Repair any damage done by you during the tenancy agreement.
• If the Landlord removes anything from the property whilst you are living there get him to sign for it.

Your rights as a tenant
You have a right to enjoy your property.  Your Landlord must give at least 24 hours notice should he require access to the property (except in the case of emergency).  Some Landlords/management companies will also carry out a quarterly check on the property to ensure everything is in order.

The landlord must also:

• Advise his tenant to have suitable home insurance and third party liability Insurance. Firstly to ensure that the tenant is insured against damage of his possessions and theft. Secondly in case the tenant causes damage to the apartment or to other apartments due to negligence (third party liability Insurance).
• Provide heating, hot water and working sanitary installations and maintain the property structurally.
• Return the deposit in full and/or provide justifiable cause(s) for deductions.
• Only evict with a court order.

Your landlord must not:

• Change the locks without providing you with a new set of keys.
• Cut off utilities
• Interfere with your mail
• Be verbally or physically abusive
• Neglect the property

Shared accomodation must meet fire and electrical safety standards. Before you sign the tenancy agreement, make sure:

• All instruction manuals are present
• Be satisfied that the furniture is safe
• Have keys for any emergency exit doors or know their wherabouts
• Check the inventory carefully and note down anything that is missed or incorrect – please re-read our section on Deposits and Inventories carefully.