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The Outlet Accommodation Agency offers us some hints and tips in how to deal with a dodgy landlord, to make sure we enjoy where we live!

We’ve probably all suffered at the hands of a dodgy landlord at some point. Maybe your returned deposit was not quite what you were expecting or maybe you’ve stepped out of the shower to find your landlord fixing the bathroom tap washer! Whatever your experience, knowing your rights and what the law expects of your landlord could just prove to be that valuable weapon you’ve been looking for. We’ve detailed a few points below that may just be of interest:

· If you’re renting a property you’re probably doing so under an ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’, guaranteeing the landlord repossession at the end of the tenancy. The tenancy must be for a fixed term of at least 6 months with the landlord giving you at least 2 months notice to end the tenancy.
· If your landlord has not informed you of the end of the tenancy you can stay on in the property under what is known as a ‘Periodic Tenancy’ until the landlord serves you with 2 month’s notice.
· Your landlord cannot take possession of your property until 6 months after the start of your tenancy.
· Fall behind on your rent by 2 months or eight weeks and risk eviction! A section 8 notice will be served giving the date for commencement of legal action.
· If your rents are spiralling, contact the Rent Assessment Committee run by your local authority.
· Don’t be conned into paying for repairs, landlords are usually responsible for repairs to the exterior and any major repairs to the interior including plumbing, heating and wiring. Check your contract thoroughly.
· Mistreating the property could lead to eviction as this would constitute a break in the contract.
· After paying a deposit on a property you are entitled to a receipt detailing payment. The deposit is fully refundable on the condition that the property has not been damaged in accordance with the tenancy agreement.
· For the naturists amongst you, relax in the knowledge that your landlord cannot enter the property without your permission and must give you at least 24 hours notice except of course in an emergency.

Know your rights and don’t be afraid to exercise them! If you fall foul of a ‘Dodgy Landlord’ contact your Citizens Advice Bureau who will act on your behalf in resolving any issues. Don’t forget, if your property is let and managed by a quality letting agent such as Outlet then let them do the work, they’re working for you as well as the landlord. And finally of course not all landlords are out to abuse the situation, be a good tenant and the likelihood is you’ll get a good landlord! 

For a wide selection of hundreds of quality rooms and properties to rent across the UK, log on to www.outlet.co.uk.