As a tenant, it is important to have a tenancy agreement in place, as it outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. However, not having a tenancy agreement does not mean that you do not have any rights as a tenant. In this article, we will explore your rights as a tenant in the absence of a tenancy agreement.
Firstly, it is important to establish what type of tenancy you have. There are two main types of tenancy – a periodic tenancy and a fixed-term tenancy. A periodic tenancy runs on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis and can be terminated by either the landlord or the tenant with proper notice. A fixed-term tenancy runs for a specific period of time, such as six months or a year, and cannot be terminated early without the agreement of both parties.
If you do not have a tenancy agreement, it is likely that you have a periodic tenancy, as these are often informal arrangements. As a tenant in a periodic tenancy, you have the right to:
– Live in the property without interference from the landlord
– The property must be kept in a safe and habitable condition
– Your landlord must give you reasonable notice if they want to access the property
– The rent must be reasonable and in line with the market rate
– The landlord cannot evict you without going through the proper legal process
It is important to note that even without a tenancy agreement, the landlord still has certain responsibilities. They are required to provide you with notice before entering the property, maintain the property in a habitable condition, and not interfere with your right to quiet enjoyment of the property.
If you have a dispute with your landlord, it is best to try and resolve it amicably in the first instance. If this is not possible, you can seek advice from a housing charity or the local council. In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action.
In conclusion, not having a tenancy agreement does not mean that you do not have any rights as a tenant. As a tenant in a periodic tenancy, you still have certain rights and protections under the law. If you have any concerns about your tenancy, seek advice from a housing charity or the local council.