For Nextimmo Users

The Responsibilities and Privileges of a Tenant!

The Responsibilities and Privileges of a Tenant!

When you sign a lease agreement with a property owner, you accept the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. As a tenant, what are these rights and responsibilities? Let's take a look.

1. The main duty of a tenant: paying the rent

It is obvious that as a tenant, you must pay your rent regularly. The lease specifies the deadline for the rent payment (which can be increased every 2 years) and a security deposit that must not exceed 3 months' rent. This deposit will be used to cover any potential damage to the property during your tenancy. Service charges (maintenance of common areas, green spaces, waste disposal, etc.) can be paid on an actual cost basis or as a flat rate, and an annual statement must be sent to you.

2. The tenant's responsibilities

The landlord must provide decent and healthy housing, but it is your responsibility to contribute to its upkeep without making modifications. You can hang a picture with a nail, but you cannot tear down a partition wall to enlarge the living room. Similarly, you cannot turn your home into an office. If you encounter an issue that goes beyond your capabilities, inform the landlord so that they can contact the appropriate professionals. However, if the issue is your fault (for example, if you failed to have your gas boiler serviced annually), you could be held liable and have to cover the costs. Also, make sure to take out home insurance as soon as you move in.

3. The tenant's rights: make yourself at home!

The lease stipulates that you occupy a property in exchange for rent, which means your landlord does not have the right to come over whenever they wish. They may, however, visit your home once or twice a year if they make an appointment in advance. Naturally, they cannot enter your home without your consent or change the locks without letting you know.