Tenant Responsibilities

Your guide to looking after the property throughout your tenancy, what you're responsible for, how to avoid charges, and how to keep your home in great condition.

🏠Looking after your home.

As a tenant, you are required to take reasonable care of the property and its contents and should not allow it to fall into disrepair. You can be charged for any damage to, or deterioration of, the property caused by negligence or a failure to take reasonable care. This page sets out your main responsibilities with practical advice on how to meet them.

Your Responsibilities at a Glance

The following cards summarise your key areas of responsibility. Detailed guidance for each is provided in the sections below.

💷 Rent

- Pay on time, in full, by the agreed method

- All named tenants are jointly liable

🧹 Property Care

- Keep the property clean and tidy

- Protect floors, surfaces, and fittings

💨 Ventilation

- Open windows to prevent condensation

- Never disable extractor fans

🔒 Security

- Lock all doors and windows when out

- Notify us if away for 14+ days

🗑️ Waste

- Dispose of rubbish responsibly

- Use correct bins on collection day

🛡️ Insurance

- Contents insurance is your responsibility

- Covers theft, fire, and accidental damage

The following cards summarise your key areas of responsibility. Detailed guidance for each is provided in the sections below.

🔧 Repairs

- Report landlord repairs promptly

- Handle day-to-day upkeep yourself

🍳 Kitchen

- Clean appliances regularly

- Use chopping boards and heatproof mats

🌿 Garden

- Keep lawns, paths, and beds maintained

- Do not let greenery grow out of control

🐾 Pets

- Written permission required

- Right to request under RRA 2025

🤝 Neighbours

- Avoid excessive noise

- Resolve minor disputes amicably

🏡 Agent Visits

- Allow inspections every 4–6 months

- Contractual obligation

Rent Payments

Your rental payments are due in advance on the agreed date and by the agreed method (usually standing order). This is a condition of your tenancy agreement.

If the tenancy is in two or more names, all tenants named on the agreement are jointly and severally liable for ensuring the rent is paid on time and in full. This means that if one tenant fails to pay their share, the other tenants remain responsible for the entire amount.

Late payments: If rent is more than 14 days overdue, interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate. Persistent arrears can lead to formal proceedings. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact us as early as possible — the sooner we know, the more we can help.

Repairs & Reporting Issues

You are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the property. This includes tasks such as replacing light bulbs, unblocking sinks, topping up boiler pressure, and testing smoke alarms.

Any repair or maintenance work that falls within the landlord's responsibility, such as structural issues, plumbing, heating systems, or electrical installations, should be reported to us straight away via the methods outlined in the Report an Issue section of this hub.

Tenant-caused damage: If a contractor is called out and the issue is found to have been caused by misuse, negligence, or a failure to report the problem promptly, you will be charged for the call-out and any associated repair costs. Reporting issues early protects both you and the property.

General Property Care

You are expected to keep the property clean, tidy, and in good condition throughout your tenancy. The following guidance will help you avoid unnecessary damage and potential deposit deductions.

Flooring: Protect all carpets and floor coverings from stains, burns, and heavy marks. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas. Any damage that requires complete replacement will be charged to you
Sinks & work surfaces: Use chopping boards, heatproof mats, and appropriate cleaning materials. Do not allow water to sit on worktops — this causes swelling and water ingress below the surface. Do not pour fatty substances, food waste, or cooking oil down drains as this can cause blockages, and you will be liable for unblocking costs
Woodwork & walls: Take care not to damage skirting boards, door frames, or painted surfaces. Use appropriate fixings if hanging pictures (with permission) and fill any holes before you leave
Windows & glass: Clean windows regularly. Report any cracks or damage to us as soon as they occur

🍳Kitchen & Appliances

Where appliances are provided by the landlord, you are responsible for keeping them clean and in good working order. Failure to maintain appliances properly can lead to breakdowns, and repair costs may be charged to you if negligence is the cause.

Fridge/freezer: Defrost regularly to prevent ice build-up. Never use a knife or sharp object to chip away ice — this can damage the cooling elements and will be treated as a tenant-caused repair
Washing machine: Clean the soap dispenser, door rubber trim, and filter regularly to prevent odours, mould, and drainage issues
Tumble dryer: Clean the lint filter after every use. A blocked filter is a fire hazard and reduces the appliance's efficiency
Oven & hob: Clean regularly to prevent grease build-up. A heavily soiled oven at checkout is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions
Shower head: Descale regularly, particularly in hard water areas. All tenants have a duty of care under Legionella risk management — running taps and showers regularly helps reduce the risk of bacteria building up in the water system

Appliance manuals: If you are unsure how to operate or maintain any appliance provided at the property, please ask us. Manuals may be available at the property, online, or through us

💨Ventilation, Condensation & Mould

Condensation is one of the most common issues in rented properties. In most cases it can be prevented through adequate ventilation, heating, and moisture control. If left untreated, condensation can lead to mould growth, which may cause health problems and deposit deductions.

Open windows regularly particularly in the bathroom during and after bathing, and in the kitchen while cooking. Even in cold weather, brief periods of ventilation make a significant difference
Never turn off or disable extractor fans these are essential for removing moisture. If an extractor fan stops working, report it immediately. You may be liable for resulting damage if a working fan was switched off
Wipe down visible condensation on windows, sills, and tiles as soon as you notice it
Avoid drying clothes on radiators without opening a window — this introduces a large amount of moisture into the air
Maintain adequate heating keeping the property at a consistent, reasonable temperature helps reduce condensation, even when you are out
Use lids on pans when cooking and keep bathroom doors closed while showering to prevent moisture spreading to other rooms

Report mould early. If you notice mould forming despite following ventilation guidance, report it to us immediately. Some mould may have structural causes (e.g. penetrating damp) which are the landlord's responsibility. Untreated mould can spread rapidly and become a health concern.

🌿Garden & Exterior

If the property has a private garden, you are required to keep it clean, tidy, and well maintained throughout your tenancy. This includes:

Cutting lawns regularly and keeping edges tidy
Weeding flower beds, borders, and pathways
Keeping trees, bushes, and hedges trimmed, greenery must not be allowed to grow out of control
Keeping driveways, paths, and patios clear and free from debris
Not removing or significantly altering any existing plants, trees, or landscaping without written permission

End of tenancy: The garden will be assessed during your checkout against its condition at the start of the tenancy. If it has been allowed to become overgrown or neglected, the cost of restoring it may be deducted from your deposit.

🔒Security

If the property has a private garden, you are required to keep it clean, tidy, and well maintained throughout your tenancy. This includes:

Lock all windows and doors every time you leave the property unattended, even for short periods
Do not leave keys in external locks or hidden outside the property
Notify us if your property will be unoccupied for 14 days or more, many insurance policies require this, and we may need to carry out periodic checks
Do not change the locks without our prior written permission. Unauthorised lock changes are a breach of your tenancy agreement
Report any security concerns, damaged locks, broken windows, or signs of attempted entry — to us immediately

🎨 Alterations, Decorating & Installations

You must obtain written permission from your property manager (confirmed by the landlord) before making any changes to the property. This includes:

Painting, wallpapering, or any form of decorating
Fitting shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted fixtures
Installing a satellite dish, aerial, or external cable
Any structural alterations, however minor

If permission is granted for a satellite dish or aerial, you are responsible for the cost of installation, removal at the end of the tenancy, and making good any resulting damage to a professional standard.

Assistance animals: Assistance animals are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and are not classified as pets. They must be permitted as a reasonable adjustment. No additional fees or deposit increases can be applied.

🐾 Pets

Pets and other animals cannot be kept at the property without prior written permission. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, you have a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet during your tenancy.

Submit your pet request in writing, including a description of the animal (breed, size, etc.)
We must respond in writing within 28 days
Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis — blanket "no pets" policies can no longer prevent you from making a formal request
Permission can be refused where there are reasonable grounds (e.g. the property is unsuitable, lease restrictions, or welfare concerns)
Landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit or pet fee , but any damage caused by a pet beyond fair wear and tear can be recovered from your standard depositKeeping a pet without permission remains a breach of your tenancy agreement and a potential ground for possession

🐛 Pest & Vermin Control

Responsibility for pest and vermin control depends on the cause and timing of the infestation:

Within the first week of moving in: If you discover an infestation (e.g. wasps, bees, mice, or other vermin) shortly after moving in, the landlord is likely responsible, as the infestation was probably present before your tenancy began. Report it to us immediately
After the initial move-in period: If the infestation is not related to a building defect (e.g. gaps in the structure), you become responsible. You should contact a suitable pest control contractor or deal with the problem using products available from supermarkets and hardware stores
Caused by your behaviour: If the infestation is caused by the way you live, for example, improper food storage, poor waste disposal, or attracting pests, you are responsible for the cost of treatment. The landlord may have the right to recover costs if your actions caused the problem
Caused by a building defect: If vermin are entering through structural gaps, broken vents, damaged drains, or other building faults, this is the landlord's responsibility to resolve

Prevention tips: Store food in sealed containers, dispose of rubbish promptly, keep bins clean and closed, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and seal any visible gaps around pipes or vents. Good housekeeping is the best defence against infestations.

🤝 Neighbours & Noise

You are expected to behave in a considerate and respectful manner towards your neighbours and the wider community at all times. This is both a condition of your tenancy agreement and a legal obligation.

Do not cause a noise nuisance, be mindful of volume levels, particularly during late evening and early morning hours
Do not cause parking violations or obstruct shared access routes
If you have a complaint about a neighbour, try to resolve it politely and directly in the first instance — it is possible the person does not realise they are causing a problem
If a direct approach does not resolve the issue, contact your property manager for advice
Comply with any building or estate regulations applicable to the property

Zero tolerance on antisocial behaviour: TAJ Real Estate takes noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour very seriously. We will not hesitate to take action against any tenant who causes a persistent nuisance, which may include formal proceedings to end the tenancy.

🏡 Agent Visits & Inspections

You are contractually bound to allow us to visit the property to check its condition and carry out an inspection report. These visits are normally conducted every 4–6 months, or sooner if instructed by the landlord.

We will always provide you with at least 24 hours' written notice before attending, and we will endeavour to arrange visits at a time that is convenient for you.

Access for viewings: During your notice period, you are also required to allow viewings for prospective tenants or buyers. If an appointment is arranged and access is not provided, a call-out fee may be charged. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as possible.

🛡️ Contents Insurance

You are responsible for having contents insurance in place to cover your personal belongings against theft, fire, flood, and accidental damage. The landlord's buildings insurance does not cover your possessions.

We strongly recommend a policy that also includes tenant liability cover, which protects you if you accidentally cause damage to the property itself (e.g. an overflowing bath, an accidental fire, or a broken window).

Affordable protection: Contents insurance for tenants typically costs from as little as £5–£10 per month. Compare policies online or speak to an insurance broker. Without insurance, any loss or damage to your belongings — or accidental damage to the property — comes out of your own pocket.

🗑️ Waste & Recycling

Dispose of waste responsibly and do not allow it to accumulate inside or outside the property — this helps prevent vermin and pest problems
Find out your collection day and put your wheelie bins out on time, or use well-sealed bin bags where relevant
Recycle correctly, follow your local council's recycling guidance. Contaminated recycling bins may not be collected
Do not dump bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) outside the property. Contact your local council's bulky waste collection service to arrange removal
Keep bin areas clean and ensure lids are closed to deter pests

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence: If waste is traced back to you, you could face a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. Always dispose of waste legally and responsibly.

Questions About Your Responsibilities?

If you're unsure whether something is your responsibility or the landlord's, or if you need advice on how to deal with a specific issue, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you look after your home.

This Hub is general guidance and does not replace your tenancy agreement or statutory rights.