(ThyBlackMan.com) Renting a property is the only housing option available to many people. The rental sector is growing as more and more people are unable to get on the property ladder. There are some common problems that come with renting a home from a landlord though. And it’s important to be aware of them.
Overcrowding
Landlords will often do what they can to make as much money as possible. This leads to some of them overcrowding their properties. The more tenants they can fit into a property, the more money th
ey will make. But there are normally permitted numbers of people that are allowed to live in a property depending on its size. You can contact the local authority if you think that you are renting in a property that would be classed as overcrowding.
Damage to the Property
If you arrive in a rental property and find that things are damaged, you should raise the issue immediately. It’s up to the landlord to make the home safe and functioning. As long as you didn’t cause the problem, then you can expect it to be fixed quickly. There are property in disrepair claims you can pursue if you got injured or hurt as a result of the poor condition of the property you rented too. Don’t hesitate to take legal action if you feel it’s necessary.
Harassment
It’s against the law for a tenant to do anything that intimidates you or causes you to want to move out. Some landlords who want to get rid of a tenant start harassing them. This should be reported to the police as soon as it happens. For example, they could disturb you during the night, call around excessively or gain access to the property without asking you. Tenants often don’t realise what their rights are. And just because a landlord owns a property, that doesn’t mean they can do what they want.
Landlord Not Providing Services
Every tenancy agreement is unique. You should be sure to read yours so that you understand what is included in it. When you know what’s in the agreement, you will be aware of what you’re entitled to. If the landlord is not providing you with the services in the agreement, you should seek help and advice. The agreement is binding, so the landlord can’t simply ignore what’s in it. Many people are afraid to take action because they’re fearful of eviction. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting what you’re entitled to.
Ending Tenancy
You have to be given a notice period before you can be forced out of a property. And if a landlord wants to end a tenancy agreement early, they will need to seek a possession order from the court. It’s crucial to understand your local eviction notice period and the rights surrounding eviction because some landlords will try to take advantage of your ignorance to force you to move out sooner than you have to. Likewise, if you want to end the tenancy agreement, it’s important to do it the proper way. If you don’t, you could be forced to pay more money in owed rent than you would if you had done it the right way. Getting out of a fixed-term tenancy agreement is always more costly and difficult.
Staff Writer; Bill Berry
