Tenants: what's good to know

So, you have made the decision to rent a property, Exeter property is here to support you and give you sound advice on what is good to know when you become a tenant in the rental sector. By following these guidelines and being a responsible tenant, you will build positive relationships along the way and enjoy a smooth renting experience.

Being in the know, is vitally important, so understanding your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of your landlord are vitally important.

Here are Exeter Property’s 10 top tips of what you ‘the tenant’ needs to know:

Understanding your tenancy agreement: read your tenancy thoroughly before signing it. Make sure you understand the terms, including rent amount, due date, length of tenancy, rules about pets and any other requirements or restrictions.

Pay rent on time: your most important responsibility as a tenant is to pay your rent on time. Late payments can lead to penalties or even evictions.

Communicate with us: if you have any concerns or issues with the property, lets us know promptly. Whether it’s a maintenance problem, a noisy neighbour, or any issue, keeping the lines of communication open can help resolve problems quickly.

Take care of the property: Treat the rental property as if it were your own. Keep it clean, avoid causing damage and report any maintenance issues promptly. Regular cleaning and upkeep can prevent minor problems becoming major ones. We are always at the end of an email or telephone, so keep the communication lines open for advice too!

Respect your neighbours: Be considerate of your neighbours by keeping noise levels down, especially during late hours. Respect share/communal spaces and follow the house rules.

Inform before making changes: if you want to make any alterations to the property such as painting walls or installing fixtures, always seek advice from the letting agent or landlord first. In many cases, there may be a change to the tenancy agreements, which needs changing before alterations can be made.

Report maintenance issues promptly: if you notice any maintenance issues or repairs, that need to be addressed, report the issue to us as soon as possible. We can communicate with the landlord and arrange the issue to be sorted. Ignoring maintenance problems can lead to more significant damage, may violate your tenancy agreement, and even cost you financially.

Follow the property rules: It is important to abide and follow rules and regulations set out in your tenancy agreement. This may include rules about guests, parking, smoking, and other activities that may affect the property or other tenants.

Know your rights:  Familiarise yourself with your tenants’ rights, such regulations protect you as a tenant from unfair practices and ensure that the landlords maintain safe and habitable living conditions.

Be financially responsible: beyond paying rent on time, being financially responsible is very important. This included paying utility bills if you’re responsible for them and fulfilling any financial obligations outlined in your tenancy agreement.

In a nutshell… if you follow our top tips and be a responsible tenant, your renting experience will be a breeze. We look forward to welcoming you at Exeter Property very soon!