We all enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, especially at the weekend during what has been one of the hottest summers for many years. But that’s not quite what we’re talking about in this article on renting properties from Stephen Goddard of A120 Lettings of Dunmow.

‘Quiet enjoyment’ is one of the key phrases in the tenancy agreement that you sign when renting a home. It gives you as a tenant the right to undisturbed enjoyment of the home that you’re renting.

The Assured Shorthold Tenancy is an important legal document, under the auspices of the Housing Act of 1996, and it provides protection for both the landlord and the tenant. It sets in place a series of conditions that protect the interests of the landlord in receiving payment; maintaining and regaining possession of his asset. But the agreement also gives important rights to the tenant who is paying for the privilege to reside in the home.

Quiet enjoyment means that you are free to live and enjoy the home without obstruction or interference from the landlord or his agents. Once the agreement has been signed, monies and keys handed over, the home is yours to enjoy. As long as all the obligations under the agreement are fulfilled the landlord cannot come and enter the home without your permission.

The landlord is allowed to gain access for maintenance work and for regular inspections, but he must seek your prior approval, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. Obviously, in cases of emergency repairs such as burst water pipes for example, there will be occasions where he will expect immediate access.

As always, in the majority of cases, there is only minimal contact required between tenant and landlord, apart from the normal routines of paying rent and organising the occasional running repairs. This is the best solution so that everyone can get on with their life – and enjoy it quietly.