RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LANDLORDS

Under the Act, landlords have certain legal obligations to their tenants. These include maintaining the structural integrity of the property, ensuring the provision of essential services such as electricity and water, and protecting tenants' rights to quiet enjoyment of the premises. Furthermore, the Act outlines the process for serving notice to tenants and the rights and requirements related to rent increases and evictions.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TENANTS

Tenants also have specific rights and responsibilities under the Act. It ensures that tenants have a right to a safe and habitable living environment, protection against unfair eviction, and the ability to challenge unreasonable rent hikes. Additionally, the Act covers the tenant's duty to pay rent promptly, maintain the property in a reasonable condition, and comply with any lease agreements or rules set by the landlord. The Act serves as a crucial instrument in balancing the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants, aiming to create a conducive and equitable rental landscape that upholds the interests of all parties involved. By delineating clear guidelines and standards, it seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in the landlord-tenant relationship, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and sustainable rental market.

TENANCY AGREEMENTS

Tenancy Agreements set out the clear and straightforward expectations of landlords and tenants. It is an agreement that acts as a contract between the landlord and tenant and is signed by both parties which indicates the acceptance of the terms of the contract. Once the parties signed, both agree and can be held liable for breach of contract. The other party has the right to take legal action. RLC Solicitors provide expert guidance related to every aspect of the tenancy agreement, we offer a rational and practical solution. If the terms have been breached then we help landlords to safeguard their investment.

RENT DEPOSITS

Landlords have the right to obtain a rent deposit from tenants as a form of security and Landlords are entitled to obtain a rent deposit from the tenants as a form of security and right of protection as the property comes off the market. the deposit must be held throughout the tenancy under the government-backed tenancy scheme. The security deposit is either returned to the tenant at the end of the agreement or withheld to cover the rent arrears if any, or repairs for damages caused by the tenant.

TENANT EVICTION

In some cases, a serious dispute with a tenant could result in eviction. In these circumstances, you must fulfil your duties as the landlord by providing the tenant with all necessary documents and information, upholding the responsibilities outlined in the tenancy agreement as well as any others that are prescribed by law. Failing to do so can significantly delay the eviction process or strip you of your right to evict, posing a significant risk to your investment and livelihood.

Landlords may evict a tenant to recover the property through serving a Section 8 Notice or a Section 21 Notice. At Smith Partnership, we offer a fixed fee for drafting and serving either type of notice. Typically, any court fees or fixed legal costs are recoverable from the tenant.

TENANCY DISPUTES

In some cases, disagreements relating to a tenancy may lead to a dispute. Whether the property in question is residential or commercial, conflicts between landlords and tenants have become all too common. Issues that may lead to a tenancy dispute include:

• Rent arrears
• Breach of covenant
• Disputes regarding the renewal of a lease
• Possession claims
• Disputes relating to service charges
• Dilapidation claims, for example as a result of damage to the property

THE EVICTION PROCESS

At RLC Solicitors, we aim to make the eviction process as straightforward as possible. We will begin by assessing your situation and advise you on the best path forward. By tailoring our advice to your circumstances, we can help recover your property most efficiently and effectively. From there, we will draft all necessary letters and notice documents. Our experts will submit the claim to court and draft related court documents using their extensive knowledge and expertise. If a defence is mounted during the process, we will act promptly and provide you with full details on your position as well as any additional costs you may incur. In the case that court proceedings are issued, our specialists offer expert advice and representation throughout the process. Once a possession order is obtained, our team can guide you through the next steps of recovering your property.

HOW WE CAN HELP?

RLC Solicitors advise on legal matters relating to:

• Tenancy agreements
• Rent deposit
• Tenant eviction, including Section 8 Notices and Section 21 Notices
• The eviction process

Legal complexities make a person lost and confused, so it is better to have a landlord and tenant expert solicitor who can guide you and assist you through the whole procedure.

We assure you that we offer the advice which is best for you. Don't worry about getting a good solicitor because you have reached the right platform. RLC Solicitors are here to help. We know what is best for you and will offer you our best legal advice. RLC Solicitors are here, to assist and guide you at every step of the process.