Know Your Tenancy Rights Before Relocating to Bournemouth

Posted by Stephanie Cooper on August 19th, 2018

Relocating anywhere in the UK can be pricey especially if you chose to move to a city near the coast. One such place is Bournemouth, located on the South coast of the Island, it is a beautiful and calm city. Significantly smaller than the capital, renting in Bournemouth can be a problem especially in summer. A preferred tourist destination, in the warmer months finding the perfect home, can be a bit challenging. Thankfully the warm sea currents gratefully affect the climate in the hole Dorset county, so even the typically cold autumn and winter are warmer and more pleasant than in the rest of the UK.

House removals are serious, life-changing events and have to be properly planned. A vital point I that plan should be learning your tenant's rights. In order to have a smooth Bournemouth relocation, there are many things that you need to learn especially if this is going to be your first renting experience. We have prepared a brief guide with the most important rights and responsibilities you and your future landlord have.

You Have the Right to a Perfect House Moving in Bournemouth

Before you start your search for the home of your dreams you need to invest a couple of hours in researching your tenant's rights. Browse through the official government sites and forums. If you don't have a UK residency you might consider meeting with a lower just to make sure there aren't any additional requirement you need to meet before starting to search for a place to rent. Here is a list of your basic rights and responsibilities. Bear in mind that depending on each individual case they can change and more point can be added.

• Within 28 days of the start of your tenancy, your landlord must provide you with a free rent book. In it, you will find the basic information concerning the tenancy agreement and the property you are renting. The bust must contain:
  • Your landlord’s contact information;
  • The monthly amount of the rent you must pay;
  • The date of payment;
  • Information and a list containing all utility bills you must pay monthly;
• If you don't sign a tenancy agreement, after the first six months the initial tenancy becomes a periodic one by law.
• You are responsible to pay the rent and the utility bills on time each month.
• The property must be kept presentable and regularly cleaned. If you cause any damage whatsoever you are obligated to pay for the restoration of the property’s initial condition.
• Your landlord must inform you with a written notice at least 28 days in advance before terminating the tenancy.
• You need to be respectful to your neighbours and be aware of how much noise you are making. You are not allowed to harass, threaten or endanger your neighbours.
• You have the right to live in a safe environment, that means that your landlord can be kept accountable if they harass you in any way. They can't lock you out of the property, seise your belongings, abuse you physically or verbally or cut off your electricity or water.

Your Landlord Also Has a Saying in Your House Moving in Bournemouth

The best thing that can happen to you during the home relocation process is to find the perfect house with the perfect landlord. Having a good relationship with the owner of the home, you are going to live in is very important. So far we have only talked about your rights and obligations but your future landlord also has some on their own.

• The landlord has the right to receive the rent every month without a delay.
• The owner can visit their property only after they inform you with a 48 hours’ notice. They cant make surprise inspections. The only exception is in a case of an emergency situation.
• The landlord is responsible for maintaining the exterior, the structure and the interior of the property. That said if your roof is leaking, it's your landlord's job to fix it.
• Your landlord has the right to know how many people live in each moment on their property.
• The owner has the right to change the amount of the rent with a 90-days’ notice.
• The landlord can terminate the tenancy within the first six months, without the obligation to explain their decision.
• After the house move, the landlord is obligated to present you with a Statement of Tenancy Terms and an Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
• If you want to make any repairs in the home, your landlord has the right to be informed about your actions in advance.
• Your landlord is obligated to give you their contact information such as home address and telephone number.