Tenants should look out for their rights when renting a house in three main stages. These are when a tenant is searching for a home, when a tenant moves in, and when they move out. Additionally, these rights also include the tenants' rights against the landlord. 

The tenants need to understand their rights because these rights are not just theoretical statutory laws but also protect them from unfair practices. It also helps tenants practice their rights while observing their responsibilities, which avoids exploitation, which breeds ignorance. 

What Are the Common Tenants' Rights?

Rights When Searching for a Home.

Rights from non-discrimination.

Landlords should not discriminate against those searching for houses because of their ethnicity, age, disability, or other illegal factors. 

Rights When They Move into Their Home

Right to live in a safe and habitable place with properly constructed buildings. The environment should also be clean. The landlords should also make regular repairs and maintain the property by providing essential needs such as electricity and water. 

Right to privacy. The landlord should notify the tenant before entering the house. The only exception is when there is an emergency.

Right to quiet possession of the property without the landlord’s interference.

Right to a lawful eviction. Therefore:

• A landlord should seek a court order before evicting a tenant.
• A tenant has the right to legal representation.
• Twenty-eight days should have elapsed of legal notice before a landlord aims to pursue a court order for eviction. 

Right When Moving Out

Right to return of deposit.

What are a The responsibilities of a tenant? What are the factors That Tenants' rights?

Default to pay rent. A landlord can seek the right to evict a tenant on default to pay rent. 

Landlords have the responsibility to repair reasonable wear and tear. Equally important, the tenant should also take care of the property and leave it in good condition.

Duty to adhere to the tenancy agreement rules. This includes observing rules such as “no pets” or noise regulation.

Legal Avenues that Protect Tenants: Protection Mechanisms

• The rent tribunal.
• Rental housing tribunal.
• Tenants can seek probono services from the government's legal aid.
• Resolution through the Consumer Protection Act.
• Other legal avenues include hiring a lawyer and legal clinics.

Ways Tenants Can Seek Redress: Protection Mechanisms 

• Mediation 

• Arbitration

• Court

Bottom Line

Knowing your rights as a tenant helps you to avoid misunderstandings and exploitation. Additionally, knowing the right avenues to pursue in case your rights are infringed helps tenants to safeguard their rights.

Visit Mirako Home’s website to rent safe, secure apartments.

Frequently Asked Question

How Can Tenants Protect Themselves from Exploitation?

Tenants can protect themselves from exploitation by carefully reading and understanding the tenancy agreement. Tenants should also keep a receipt of any transaction between them and the landlord in case of disagreements.