Generation Rent Announces Staging A Renters Rights Awareness Week

Generation Rent, the platform that has emerged as the powerful voice of private renters in the UK, has announced the staging of Renters Rights Awareness Week from September 17 to 24.

Generation Rent is the operating name of the National Private Tenants Organisation Limited. They make sure the problems of private renters are heard by landlords and policymakers. Generation Rent takes up the issue of unfair evictions and is fighting for renters to live in safe and decent homes. Generation Rent announce that some of the key issues that will be discussed during the Renters Rights Awareness Week are:

· Ending a tenancy

· Rent increases

· Shared accommodation

· Starting a new tenancy

· Getting repairs done

· Saving money

Ending a Tenancy:

The factsheet provided by Generation Rent covers important aspects of ending a tenancy. A fixed-term tenancy does not automatically mean the end of the tenancy. If there is no new agreement signed, and the same arrangement continues, it becomes a rolling tenancy. The same can be ended by the renter or the landlord by giving notice.

Giving a Notice

Those wishing to end their tenancy must give a formal notice so that the landlord knows in advance. Without such notice the renter may not be protected from having to pay rent or bills after a specific date. Generally, the tenancy agreement spells out how the notice must be given.

Surrendering The Tenancy

Ending the tenancy early or surrendering the tenancy is effected by a deed of surrender. Such deed will formalise the agreement and release the tenant and the landlord from their obligations.

Right To Unwind

Tenants can end a tenancy without a penalty if the landlord has deliberately not represented the agreement properly or used unfair methods to get the tenant to sign the contract. This is termed as Right to Unwind.

Moving Out under a Joint Tenancy

As tenants are responsible for paying the rent on the whole property, in case someone is moving away from a joint tenancy agreement, the other tenant/s must find a new housemate. When a new housemate has been found, the name of that person must be added to the contract by the landlord. Fees can be charged for this.

Leaving without notice:

If tenants leave the property without notice, the tenancy and the rent will continue. The landlord can use legal means to make the tenant pay the rent and other charges they owe. The tenant usually has to pay any court costs as well as any rent they owe. When moving out, the property must be cleaned and in the same condition as it was when the tenant moved in. Utility providers must be informed and their outstanding bills cleared before moving out.

Rent Increase

There are a few steps a tenant must take if the landlord wants to increase rent. A landlord cannot increase the rent whenever they want to. They must follow some rules pertaining to rent increases. If the landlord or letting agent wants to increase the rent, tenants must follow these steps:

· Look at your negotiating position, and don’t respond immediately.

· Check the rent for similar properties in the neighborhood.

· Check if the hike in rent is within your budget (It must be a third of your income).

· Have proof of incomplete repair works they have been reminded about repeatedly.

· Discuss reasons why the property does not deserve a rent hike immediately.

· Convey that you have no option but to move out if rent increases.

· Be prepared for a counteroffer and allow room for compromise.

Rights When Sharing A Property With Others

Ending Joint Tenancies

A fixed-term tenancy can be ended only when everyone agrees mutually. Rolling or periodic tenancies can be ended with one month’s notice. If a tenant leaves, co-tenants must also leave except when the landlord agrees to a new tenancy.

Joining Tenancy Mid-Way of a Contract

If a tenant finds someone to take a vacant room on the property, the new tenant must pass some referencing checks. Some costs may also be involved in changing tenancy (capped at £50).

If the tenancy agreement permits, the existing tenant can allow someone to stay without paying rent. All legally added new tenants would enjoy the same rights as the existing tenants.

Starting a New Private Tenancy

A tenant looking for a private tenancy must first decide if they want to stay alone or share. The next step is searching for the ideal place. Once a property has been chosen, the next step is reserving it. A holding deposit of one week’s rent is generally paid. The amount is adjusted towards the deposit or rent later. When everything is done, the tenant gets a draft tenancy agreement. They must check the details and suggest corrections if there are any points of disagreement. If there is a mutual agreement, the contract is signed and the tenancy deposit paid along with the first months’ rent, collect the keys, and move in. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the maximum deposit is five weeks' rent.

Getting the Landlord to Carry Out Repairs

The Generation Rent factsheet mentions the responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant. The landlord will be responsible for the proper working and maintenance of the property’s structure. These include sanitary fittings, gas appliances, wiring, and fire safety devices. The tenant is responsible for fixing the appliances they have moved in and for any damage to the property and fixtures.

Tenants must contact their landlord if the property needs repairs. They must communicate immediately if there are faults, such as faulty electrical wiring. A timescale must be requested for carrying out the repairs. If there is no response, communicate in writing again. Get the council involved if the landlord hesitates to do the repair work. A landlord who does not get repairs done in a reasonable manner and timescale can be prevented from serving an eviction notice.

Evictions

Tenants with shorthold tenancy can take action if the landlord resorts to forced eviction threats. Landlords are required to follow a strict legal process. They must first serve a valid notice and must prove grounds for eviction.

Notice Period

The notice period for eviction before the tenancy term is four months. There are exceptions for cases such as antisocial behavior or more than four months of rent arrears.

Built-To-Rent Homes

Renters can find homes with better value through the professionally managed build-to-rent sector. They can expect better services and insulated air-tight energy efficient homes. These homes are built with ESG factors in mind which can help tenants save money through reduced energy bills. *ESG stands for ‘Environment Social Governance. Read more about this HERE. Generation Rent has been at the forefront of fighting for tenants' rights in the UK. Tenants can visit https://www.generationrent.org/ to get detailed information about tenant’s rights. Generation Rent vows to fight for renters so that they can live in safe and decent homes.

More about the upcoming Renters Rights Awareness Week is at https://www.generationrent.org/renter_rights_awareness_week