Here are some of the most common obligations as a tenant:

• Repairs: the tenant is responsible for the condition of the interior of the property and for keeping it clean and well looked after. If you want to redecorate because you’d prefer a different colour scheme, you may be restricted in the tenancy agreement from doing this so get permission in writing from your landlord first. You will normally need to redecorate the property leaving it in its original condition when you leave. You must pay for anything that is broken or damaged in the property during the tenancy and your landlord can deduct the cost of this from the holding deposit if you do not repair or replace.
• Outgoings: unless the tenancy agreement specifically says otherwise, you are responsible for paying all the outgoings for the property including gas, electricity, water, council tax or other taxes etc. If you sign up for other services like telephone, broadband, SKY/ digital TV etc, you are responsible for payment of those services. If there are any accounts that the landlord has agreed to pay, this will be stated clearly on the tenancy agreement.
• Use of the property: you must only use the property for residential purposes and not for commercial or other business purposes otherwise you will be in breach of your tenancy and may put the landlord in breach of planning regulations. Only you and any other tenants named on the tenancy agreement can live in the property. You must not sublet any part of the property to another person or you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement. The landlord will want to prevent a tenant from letting anyone else live at the property as he will only want tenants whom he has checked and approved living there.
• Access: your landlord has a right to visit and inspect the property from time to time to ensure its being kept in good condition or to do any repairs and must give adequate notice of a visit. It is usual for a landlord to retain a set of keys to the property however they should not be used without your consent, except in an emergency.