Paying rent is just one of many responsibilities tenants owe to their landlord and the property. Here are 10 key duties every tenant must know:

1. Pay Your Rent Promptly 

You are legally required to pay rent on time, as stated in your Tenancy Agreement. Rent is paid in advance of your tenancy, or as agreed with your landlord, not unilaterally on your terms. You can be legally evicted for failure to pay rent.

2. Keep the Property in Good Condition 

You are expected to maintain the apartment. Minor repairs (like bulbs or faucets) are usually on you unless agreed otherwise. It is not every repair that is the responsibility of the landlord.

3. Use the Property for the Right Purpose 

Do not turn a residential flat into a shop, warehouse or church without approval. Do not overburden the property with too many people (e.g 10 people in a 2 bedroon flat) or use a residential property commercially (e.g commercially washing and ironing). That will be a breach of your Tenancy Agreement. A property is meant to be used for the agreed purpose.

4. No Subletting Without Consent 

Unless expressly stated in the Tenancy  Agreement, you must not let out part or all of the property to someone else without written approval from your landlord. Even when permitted, it is illegal to sublet for longer than the term of your tenancy.

5. Don’t Cause Nuisance 

Avoid activities that disturb neighbours or damage the property. Excessive noise, parties, or illegal activity can give your landlord the right to issue you a Notice to Quit.

6. Allow the Landlord Reasonable Access

Your landlord (or authorized representative) can inspect your property occasionally with due notice. You are to permit them to inspect the property to see if your use complies with the Tenancy Agreement. It is illegal to deny a reasonable inspection request after due notice.

7. Pay Agreed Bills & Levies 

You are to pay for water, electricity, waste disposal, security fees, etc., if your agreement says so. It is illegal to make use of utilities without paying for them.

8. Avoid Unauthorized Alterations 

Do not repaint, break walls, instal solar pannels, change bathroom tiles or other fixtures without your landlord’s permission. Any changes should be approved in writing.

9. Give Proper Notice of Renewal or Leaving 

When your tenancy period is ending, you are to give your landlord sufficient notice (of between 1 to 3 months) of your desire to either renew your tenancy or to leave the property. Walking away without notice or continuing your tenancy without paying rent can have legal consequences.

10. Return Property Peacefully 

You must return the apartment in decent condition. Do not purposely break doors, deface walls, damage tiles or leave trash in the property.

Conclusion: 

Being a tenant comes with both rights and responsibilities. Keep to your end of the bargain to avoid the legal consequences of being a bad tenant. It pays to be a good tenant.

Message by Ayobayo Babade Esq, ACIArb (UK), FIMC, Tope Babade & Co (Real Estate Consultants).