Know your space, know your rights: Renting without confusion

Search Properties

Free Valuation

Take advantage of a free no obligation valuation.

Register With Us

Want to keep up to date with properties you might be interested in? Register with us to receive regular property updates

Mortgages

We have a dedicated financial team in to assist with any mortgage advice you may need! Click here for more details.

Find Out More

Understanding your rights as a tenant
Renting a property should be a smooth experience, but sometimes confusion can arise. One of the key aspects of a successful rental journey is knowing your rights as a tenant. Whether it’s understanding your tenancy agreement, knowing who is responsible for repairs, or being clear on your rights when it comes to deposits, a good understanding of your legal protections can prevent unnecessary stress.

Read your tenancy agreement carefully
The tenancy agreement is a vital document that outlines your responsibilities and those of your landlord. It’s essential to read it thoroughly before signing. Make sure you understand details such as the length of the tenancy, rent payment terms, and any rules regarding the property. If there’s anything unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before committing to anything.

Know your responsibilities as a tenant
While your landlord is responsible for the structure and major repairs, as a tenant, you have obligations too. Keeping the property in good condition, paying rent on time, and following the rules outlined in your tenancy agreement are part of your responsibilities. It’s important to maintain open communication with your landlord or letting agent if any issues arise.

Your deposit rights and protections
In the UK, landlords are required to protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. This ensures that you are not unfairly charged for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Before signing a contract, ensure the deposit is registered with a scheme and ask for the details of the scheme to make sure your deposit is protected.

What to do in case of disputes
Disputes between tenants and landlords can happen, whether it’s about repairs, rent increases, or disagreements over the deposit. The key is to approach the situation calmly and know the steps to take. There are organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, that offer advice on how to resolve disputes, and your tenancy agreement should outline the process for addressing issues.

Don’t overlook your space
Understanding your rights also means knowing the condition of your rental property. Take the time to properly assess your space, and ensure that any damages or issues are reported promptly. This not only ensures that you’re not held liable for pre-existing problems, but it also helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord.

A smooth rental experience with knowledge
When you know your rights and responsibilities, renting can be a straightforward and stress-free experience. Understanding your space, your obligations, and the protections in place will give you the confidence to enjoy your rental property without confusion.

Stay informed and make your renting experience hassle-free

Latest Properties

Saville Park, Ossett

£245,000

3 1 1

A THREE bedroom semi detached property benefitting from a MODERN fitted kitchen/diner, off road PARKING and an ENCLOSED rear garden. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. EPC rating D65.

Wentworth Terrace, Wakefield

£595 PCM

1 1 1

UnfurnishedA well presented one bedroom basement apartment situated in a sought after location of Wakefield within walking distance of the city centre and both Westgate and Kirkgate train stations.

Hawthorne Mount, Normanton

£155,000

3 1 1

*NO ONWARD CHAIN* A spacious three bedroom semi detached home with OPEN PLAN kitchen/diner and south east facing garden. VIRTUAL TOUR AVAILABLE. EPC rating D60.

Dewsbury Road, Ossett

£205,000

2 2 1

AN INDIVIDUAL two bedroom detached family home with accommodation OVER THREE LEVELS, a modern kitchen, OFF STREET PARKING AND INTEGRAL GARAGE to the rear. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. EPC rating C74.

I have recently purchased a property through Richard Kendall Estate Agent. The service was excellent from Emily Dunbar. She chased solicitors for me and constantly kept me updated with the progress. Emily is a credit to Richard Kendall's. Thanks Emily for everything. Adele 10/12/2025

Donna and Joanne were superb at helping and supporting me through quite a difficult sale. Communication and follow up was excellent and everything was dealt with in a friendly and professional manner I would certainly recommend Richard Kendall to all my friends and family. Jill 10/12/2025

We have used Richard Kendall for many years so when deciding to sell our loved property due to heath issues this was the company we straight away contacted initially David at the Wakefield Office and then we were luckily put with senior consultant Karen Marijewko. Karen was so thoughtful and kind she knew about our health problems and went out of her way to guide us through the process of selling and buying .She is a senior property consultant and really deserves that title . If we ever have to move again I would definitely ask for Karen and would advise family and friends to do the same. Judith 10/12/2025

I had a great experience with Elizabeth Cooke from Richard Kendall for the sale of my property. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and was always proactive in chasing things up and staying in regular contact. Her communication was clear, consistent, and always reassuring, which made everything feel easier and less stressful. Liz’s professionalism, friendliness, and dedication was outstanding. I’m so grateful for all her hard work in getting my property sold. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a friendly, professional, reliable and supportive estate agent Liz 10/12/2025

Really pleased with all the staff, especially Leah, they kept me up to date throughout the whole process of buying our house, it was easy to get hold of them and on the rare occasion I couldn’t they responded back very quickly cracking estate agents. Graham 10/12/2025

We recently sold a relative's home through Richard Kendall and the service was excellent. The team and in particular our main contact Mandy at the Ossett office kept us informed and updated throughout, explaining where we were at every stage of the process. A professional yet personal service and we would recommend Richard Kendall to anyone thinking of buying or selling a home. Nigel 10/12/2025

Would highly recommend Richard Kendall, this was the second time I’ve used them for selling a house. Amber in the Pontefract office dealt with my sale and she was really helpful, friendly, professional and kept me up-to-date with everything going on with the sale and the wider chain. Thank you! Chris 10/12/2025

Amazing service from Catherine and Shireen at the Wakefield City Branch. They have made the process of moving house so smooth and always kept us up to date with any progress. Can't recommend them enough! Gemma 10/12/2025

We were selling my mum and dad’s house and was an emotional time for me and my sister. Sarah at the Normanton branch dealt with the sale from start to finish. I cannot recommend Sarah enough and she is a credit to Richard Kendall. She kept us informed all the way through and answered any questions we had. She was professional and friendly and made what was a sad time selling the family home easier. The sale was quick and seamless due to Sarah. Thank you Richard Kendall’s, I would recommend them to anyone selling their property Claire 10/12/2025

Get Social

Facebook

Check out our Facebook page to be the first to hear about property news and our latest properties

Tik Tok

Instagram

YouTube

View our latest property tours and videos

Get in Touch

If you are looking to buy, sell or let a property in Wakefield and surrounding areas or would like a FREE property valuation, contact us via the details below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Contact your nearest branch