Your Rights

My First Flat

For most of us, getting our own place or moving in with friends is a great social experience with the added benefits of more independence. The last thing on our minds is potential legal problems or what’s in the tenancy agreement. But if things do go wrong they can cost a huge amount of time, money and stress.

There are a lot of issues that can come with flatting and it might be the first time where you have to manage all your finances! This section should give you an idea what you should prepare and be aware of before you start flatting!

In this section:

• Use, Peace & Privacy in a Flat
• Tenants & Flatmates
• Tenancy Agreements
• Rent & Bond
• Looking After the Flat
• My Personal Property in a Rental
• Leaving the Flat
• Fixing Tenancy Problems

What should I know when flatting?

Depending on your age, simply getting a flat in the first place may be a bit of a challenge. You’ll also need to think about finding the right flat, having references and enough money to cover bonds. After that, it’s important to know who has to fix things that break and what you can do if they don’t. If you’re asked to move out or you want to leave yourself, find out how much notice is needed and how you’ll hand over the property. Whether you’re moving in with some mates or signing your own tenancy agreement for the first time, know your rights and what the law says about your situation is best before starting.

What should I know when renting?

If you’re a tenant, your landlord has to treat you fairly and make sure that you’re getting to use and enjoy the place you’re renting. At the same time, you also have to treat your landlord fairly, by paying your rent on time and taking good care of the property.