More than four out of five tenants believe that they are engaging in actions which are against rules set out in tenant agreements, a new study has revealed.
According to the report, published by interior specialist Hillarys, 84 per cent of renters report breaking a residential regulation, such as smoking inside or causing noise disruption.
Around three quarters (73 per cent) of tenants, meanwhile, admit not knowing or having a lack of awareness of rules included in their tenancy agreement, while a further 36 per cent said they have “no idea” how to find a copy.
According to Hillarys, the most commonly breached rules include hanging art and photos on walls (38 per cent), damaging or making alternations to the interior of the property without permission (34 per cent), smoking inside (23 per cent), causing noise disruption (19 per cent), and owning a pet (14 per cent).
Additionally, one in four tenants (23 per cent) admitted not knowing how much time they would have to move out if their landlord requested it.
Commenting on the study, Lucy Askew, interiors specialist at Hillarys, said: “Thanks to rising house prices and the subsequent need for significantly large deposits, the reality of homeownership has become unachievable for a number of Britons, resulting in the need for rented accommodation.
“Whilst it can be all too tempting to ignore the agreements made with a landlord in order to create a cosy atmosphere, rules are put in place for a reason, and failure to comply can put a tenancy at risk and could leave the tenant in question without a home.”
If you are a landlord or tenant and require support enforcing your rights, get in touch with our expert team today.
