Tenants unaware of renting laws

29 2007
Around two-thirds of all UK tenants are not fully aware of their statutory rights when it comes to lending a property, new research has revealed.

According to the advice service Community Legal Service Direct, while one in ten Britons are currently renting their home, 63 per cent are largely ignorant of their legal entitlements as tenants.

For example, 86 per cent of those renters questioned were found to be unaware that a landlord is responsible for maintaining the gas, electricity and water supplies to a property and for ensuring its general upkeep, while just 20 per cent were aware that a landlord is required to give his or her tenants notice should they wish them to leave.

Furthermore, just three per cent were aware that a landlord is only legally allowed to hold onto a tenant's deposit if they can prove that a property has been mistreated.

Commenting on the findings, John Sirodcar, head of direct services at Community Legal Service Direct, commented: "It is alarming that many tenants are fighting their own battles rather than seeking professional advice when encountering problems, particularly when free advice is just a phone call away."ADNFCR-1219-ID-18334332-ADNFCR

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