relaxed tenant at home

The complete guide to tenant’s rights & responsibilities in the UK

Housing & Accomodation
February 25, 2025•4 min read

Renting a home is an exciting opportunity, but it’s essential to understand both your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience for all parties involved. At JSTEAD, we make it our mission to guide both tenants and landlords through the process, helping maintain healthy relationships and providing a safe, well-managed living space for all.

If you're a tenant looking for a new rental property, explore our available listings today.

Key Benefits of Being a Tenant with JSTEAD LPD

  • Safe and Well-Maintained Living Conditions
    As a tenant, you're entitled to live in a property that’s safe, secure, and in good condition. JSTEAD ensures that your home meets essential health and safety standards, with all necessary repairs carried out swiftly. If something breaks or isn’t functioning as it should, contact us immediately. We’ll make sure that repairs are addressed promptly.

  • Deposit Protection
    Your tenancy deposit is protected by law, and at JSTEAD, we ensure it is registered with an approved government-backed scheme. This protection guarantees that your deposit is returned fairly at the end of your tenancy, minus any legitimate deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

  • Right to Quiet Enjoyment
    You have the right to live in your home without unnecessary disruptions. This means that while we may need to enter your property for inspections or repairs, we will always provide at least 24 hours' notice, ensuring that your privacy is respected.

Tenant Rights Based on Tenancy Types

  • Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
    Under an AST, you have the security of knowing you can stay in your rental property for the full duration of the fixed term, provided you follow the conditions in your agreement. JSTEAD ensures that your rights are fully protected, from ensuring the property is safe and habitable to guaranteeing the proper handling of any deposit disputes.

  • Periodic Tenancies
    Some tenancies roll on beyond their fixed term—this is known as a periodic tenancy. With a periodic tenancy, you maintain all the rights from your original agreement, including the landlord’s responsibility for repairs, deposit protection, and the right to live in a safe, well-maintained home. If you prefer clarity, we recommend renewing your tenancy into a fixed term to ensure both parties are clear on the terms.

Tenant Responsibilities for Repairs and Maintenance

Both tenants and landlords have important roles in maintaining a property. As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to care for the day-to-day upkeep of the property, such as keeping the home clean and reporting any issues promptly. At JSTEAD, we make it easy for tenants to report repairs, ensuring a quick response to any urgent needs.

Landlord’s Responsibilities:

Landlords, including JSTEAD, are responsible for maintaining the property’s structure and essential systems, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Tenant’s Responsibilities:

Tenants should handle minor fixes, such as replacing lightbulbs or dealing with damage caused by their actions. Regular tasks like keeping the property ventilated and preventing avoidable damage are also key responsibilities.

How to Report Repairs

If you need to report a repair, the process is straightforward:

  1. Identify the issue: Be clear on what’s wrong.

  2. Review your tenancy agreement: Check for instructions on reporting repairs.

  3. Notify JSTEAD: Contact us directly via email, phone, or our online portal.

We aim to resolve issues as quickly as possible, with an emergency contact line for urgent problems.

Safety Standards

We ensure that all properties meet essential health and safety standards:

  • Gas Safety: An annual gas safety check is mandatory for properties with gas appliances.

  • Electrical Safety: Regular inspections of electrical systems every five years.

  • Fire Safety: Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor, and carbon monoxide detectors are required where applicable.

Rent Increases and Access to the Property

  • Rent Increases: As a tenant, your rent can only be increased in line with your tenancy agreement and the market rate. You will be given reasonable notice before any increase is implemented.

  • Access to the Property: While we may need to enter your property for inspections or repairs, JSTEAD will always give you at least 24 hours’ notice unless there’s an emergency situation, such as a gas leak.

image of rental room

Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is the foundation of your rental experience. At JSTEAD, we ensure all agreements are transparent and legally sound, protecting both tenant and landlord rights. Whether it’s rent terms, repairs, or maintenance responsibilities, we’re here to ensure everyone understands what’s expected.

How JSTEAD Helps Tenants

Navigating your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can be overwhelming, but JSTEAD is here to guide you every step of the way. From understanding your tenancy agreement to resolving any disputes, we provide support to ensure that your rental experience is smooth and hassle-free.

If you have any questions about your tenancy or need assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At JSTEAD, we’re committed to making your rental experience as stress-free as possible.

Back to Blog