Managing Your Tenancy

This section will cover the following subjects relating to:

Your Tenancy Agreement
Paying Rent & Bills
Understanding Service Charge
Renter's Rights

Your tenancy agreement

Introduction
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out: The terms of renting a property. Rights and responsibilities of both parties. Conditions for ending the tenancy. It can be written or verbal, but written agreements are strongly recommended for clarity and legal protection.
Reflections
Do you currently have a tenancy agreement or contract for your home? Do you know your rights? Do you know what is expected of you?
Quick Tips
Learn your tenancy type. Read the agreement carefully before signing.

What is a Tenancy Agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out:

  • The terms of renting a property
  • Rights and responsibilities of both parties
  • Conditions for ending the tenancy

It can be written or verbal, but written agreements are strongly recommended for clarity and legal protection.

 

Key Components of a Tenancy Agreement

According to GOV.UK and legal experts, a valid tenancy agreement should include:

  1. Names of all parties (landlord and tenant)
  2. Property address
  3. Start date and duration (fixed-term or periodic)
  4. Rent amount and payment schedule
  5. Deposit details and protection scheme
  6. Responsibilities for repairs, bills, and maintenance
  7. Notice periods for ending the tenancy
  8. Rules on pets, subletting, and lodgers
  9. Break clauses (if applicable)
  10. Signatures of all parties

Learn about different types of tenancies

Playlist

3 Videos

What did you learn?

  • Do you understand what type of tenancy you currently have?
  • How comfortable are you reading contracts?
  • Do you feel there is enough support around housing for you?
  • What is likely going to be your future tenancy agreement?

Easy steps towards understanding your tenancy

  • Understand your responsibilities (paying rent, keep the property clean, report repairs and follow rules)
  • Know who your landlord is
  • Ask questions before signing your contract
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Paying rent and bills

Introduction
When you live in a property, you are usually responsible for paying utility bills unless your tenancy agreement says they are included in your rent. These are essential because they cover your gas, electricity, and water usage.
Reflections
What bills do you currently pay? What is covered under your housing agreement? Where can you save money?
Quick Tips
Learn about the different types of meters. You can choose your own suppliers. Set up Direct Debits to make payments easier.

Utility Bills (Gas, Electricity, Water) 

When you live in a property, you are usually responsible for paying utility bills unless your tenancy agreement says they are included in your rent. These are essential because they cover your gas, electricity, and water usage. 

Finding the right supplier 

  • Most tenants can choose their own gas and electricity supplier. This means you can shop around for cheaper deals. 
  • Comparison websites such as Uswitch or MoneySavingExpert can help you find the best tariff. 
  • Sometimes, if you live in supported housing or a house of multiple occupation (HMO), bills may be included in your rent. Always check your tenancy agreement. 

Reading your meter 

  • Your gas and electricity meters record how much energy you use. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may need to give your supplier regular readings so you don’t get overcharged. 
  • A smart meter automatically sends readings to your supplier, and you can see how much energy you are using in real time. 

Setting up payments 

  • Direct Debit is usually the cheapest and easiest way to pay, as your bills are taken automatically each month. 
  • Prepayment meters let you top up with a card or key, but they are usually more expensive and can leave you without energy if you run out of credit. 

Financial support 

If you are struggling to pay your bills, support may be available: 

  • Warm Home Discount – a one-off payment to help with energy costs. 
  • Winter Fuel Payment – for people over pension age. 
  • Cold Weather Payment – extra help during very cold periods (for people on certain benefits). 
  • You can also contact your supplier for a repayment plan or check with charities like Citizens Advice. 

Learn about managing your bills

3 Videos

What did you learn?

  • Did you know you can talk to your energy providers and let them know you are on a low income?
  • Did you know about how different smart meters can help you save money?
  • Do you practice energy-saving?

Easy steps towards energy saving

Small changes can make a big difference: 

  • Turn off lights when you leave a room. 
  • Don’t leave appliances on standby. 
  • Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need. 
  • Use energy-efficient lightbulbs.

Understanding your service charge

Introduction
A service charge is a payment for services that go beyond just renting the property. These services are usually related to the upkeep and management of shared spaces.
Reflections
Quick Tips

Common Services Covered:

  • Cleaning and lighting of communal areas (e.g. stairwells, hallways)
  • Gardening and grounds maintenance
  • Building insurance (for leaseholders)
  • Repairs and maintenance of shared facilities
  • Heating and hot water (if communal systems are used)
  • Lift maintenance, rubbish chutes, entry systems
  • Security (e.g. CCTV, door entry systems)
  • Management/admin fees for organising these service.

 

Types of Service Charges

  1. Fixed Service Charge

    • Set amount, agreed in the tenancy or lease
    • Doesn’t change based on actual costs

  2. Variable Service Charge

    • Changes depending on actual costs incurred
    • Landlord must give notice of changes

Easy steps towards managing your service charge

  • Make sure you know how much is due each week or month
  • Set up a direct debit that comes out of your benefits to ensure you don’t miss a payment
  • Let your landlord know if you can’t afford the service charge

Understanding your renter's rights

Introduction
It's extremely important to know what your rights are regardless of what kind of accommodation you live in. This next section will give you a general overview of your renter's rights.
Reflections
In the past did you know your rights? What about in your current accommodation? Why is it important to know your rights?
Quick Tips
Always Get a Written Tenancy Agreement. Know Your Deposit Rights. Report Repairs Promptly. Challenge Unfair Rent Increases. Eviction Requires Legal Notice.

As a tenant, you have the right to:

  • live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair
  • have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends – and in some circumstances have your deposit protected
  • challenge excessively high charges
  • know who your landlord is
  • live in the property undisturbed
  • see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
  • be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent
  • have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years

Learn about different types of tenancies

3 Videos

What did you learn?

  • Was there anything you weren’t aware of?
  • Do you understand how the law affects landlords and those renting?
  • Do you know who to seek help from?

Easy steps towards understanding your renter's rights

Always Get a Written Tenancy Agreement

  • It should clearly state rent, deposit, responsibilities, and notice periods.
  • Ask for a copy before moving in.

Know Your Deposit Rights

  • Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (e.g. DPS, MyDeposits).
  • You should get confirmation within 30 days.

Report Repairs Promptly

  • Landlords must fix issues like heating, leaks, and unsafe electrics.
  • Keep records of all communication.

Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

  • Rent can only be raised once a year with proper notice.
  • You can appeal to a tribunal if it’s unreasonable.

Eviction Requires Legal Notice

  • “No-fault” evictions (Section 21) are being phased out.
  • Landlords must give valid reasons and proper notice.

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