The Law
The Residential Tenancies Act is like the "road rules" of renting and must be followed. The act sets out all sorts of rules that the landlord and tenant must stick to.
If you live in a house that is NOT a hostel, a bedsit, a caravan park, a boarding situation or a 'doss house' AND the landlord doesn't live with you, you are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.
The RTA is very detailed and includes things like:
- how much notice to give
- how to pay your rent
- who fixes what
- when is the landlord allowed to visit
- how much rent can be charged
- and much more...
Tenants in certain rental situations are excluded from this law (eg boarding) and are not protected by what the Residential Tenancies Act sets out. If you are in this group you will need to formulate your own contract with the people you pay rent to.
Some boarding and bedsit situations, however, are still covered by the RTA. Check with TPA or Tenancy Services if you need advice.
This law is like the "road rules" of renting and must be followed. This law sets out all sorts of rules that both the landlord and the tenant must stick to. It includes things like; how much notice to give, how to pay your rent, who fixes what, when is the landlord allowed to visit AND LOTS MORE. It is a very good idea when you take on a house to read through these laws as they help you to know what you can and can't expect.
If you live in a situation where you are not covered by the RTA it is very important to form your own "road rules of renting". You should talk to the person who runs the accommodation about how much notice to give to leave and all those other things that are important to know. If you can get these agreements in writing it may stop future mix ups (We have a sample agreement you can look at here).