Tenants making legal sacrifices by not checking basics

One in two (50%) people renting in the UK don’t obtain a written tenancy agreement before moving into their home, putting themselves at the mercy of landlords who are flouting the law, according to new research from AA Legal Services.

Landlords are obliged by law to ensure tenancy agreements are signed before tenants move in yet one in two (50%) tenants say that this is not happening.

At a time when many Brits are being priced out of the property market and one in four (25%) are being forced to rent, tenants are also more concerned with the size of the bedrooms (37%) than checking the property’s inventory (30%), ensuring repair work is included in the agreement (26%) or asking how the deposit would be retained (22%).

As part of its Safe as Houses Campaign, which seeks to demystify the legal rights of both homeowners and renters, AA Legal Services questioned over 1,800 property renters to find out what they checked before they moved into their rented property.

Renters at risk

More than two in three renters do not check the inventory or make any necessary changes before they move in (70%), leaving the landlord in the driving seat.

More than one in two (55%) don’t ensure their rental payments are clearly documented and agreed which could leave them paying more than they should.

Over half (55%) do not take gas, electricity or water meter readings before they move in, which could lead to unexpected bills.

A shocking three in five renters are not even aware of the notice period on their rental property (59%), which could leave them in the lurch with unbudgeted months of rent to pay.

Only one in five check their financial security to make sure they can afford their commitment before moving into their new rented place (22%).

Only one in three have home contents insurance (32%), with no cover for burglary or damage caused by fire or water leaks, while few check the safety aspects such as obtaining a gas certificate (15%).

James Molloy, Head of AA Legal Services adds: “These findings demonstrate how poorly people protect themselves when moving into a rented home. It is vital that you agree your tenancy agreement and check everything, including inventory and utility meter readings, before you accept the keys to your rented home. Yet thousands of people are just not doing so and are putting themselves and their home at risk.

If in doubt, seek advice from a solicitor or reputable organisation which can be held accountable. AA Legal Services was launched to provide straightforward, sound advice and offer cost effective solutions for modern homeowners and renters to ensure their interests are protected and helping them to understand their rights”

Top Tips for renters

From April 2007 the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme was set up to safeguard the tenant and make sure their deposit is held by an independent solicitor, not the estate agent or landlord.

Get a written tenancy agreement before moving into the property.

Check inventory and ensure repair work is included in the contract.

Take recording of any meters the property has, whether it is gas, electricity or water.

Make sure you know your notice period on the property before moving in.

Ensure you can afford the financial commitment.