Renting well: what tenants and landlords should expect from each other
A short guide to deposits, inventories, repairs and renewals, written from the lettings desk.
Priya Nair · · 5 min read
Most tenancies go well. The ones that do not usually fail on something that could have been agreed on the first day.
For tenants
Read the inventory and photograph everything on the day you move in. Report problems in writing, and keep a copy. Ask what the landlord’s plan is for repairs and how quickly you can expect a response.
For landlords
A well-prepared property lets faster and keeps tenants longer. Service the boiler before the winter, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and keep certificates in one folder. Respond to repair requests within a day, even if the fix takes a week.
Deposits
The deposit must be held in a government-approved scheme, and you should be given the details within thirty days. At the end of the tenancy, deductions should be for damage beyond fair wear and tear, backed by the inventory.
Renewals
If you are happy, tell us three months before the end. A short conversation about rent usually leads to a longer, steadier tenancy.
This article is demo content for the Keystone template. Rules differ by country; check your local law.