Flatmates
• If one ( or more ) tenants are listed on the tenancy agreement and then allow you to share the property , you are likely to be a flatmate . Flatmates are those who are living in the property but are not part of the tenancy agreement .
• A flatmate lives with the person they pay rent to ( the tenant ) and are not responsible to the landlord for the rent or the state of the property . Instead , they are responsible to the tenant for their share of the rent .
• Flatmates are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and their rights depend on the agreement between them and the tenant ( s ).
• Flat-sharing agreements between tenants and other flatmates are not covered under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 , however , tenants and flatmates can create a written agreement outlining the terms of their cohabitation .
• If you are a flatmate , you should confirm with the tenant any details about notice requirements and other responsibilities . It ’ s useful to have this in writing and signed by both parties .
• If you pay rent to a tenant , it ' s important to have a record for every rent payment you make .
• The Tenancy Tribunal is not available to sort out disputes between flatmates . However , disagreements between flatmates can be taken to the Disputes Tribunal .
• Tenancy Services cannot give advice about flatmate disputes . In this situation , you should refer to your local community law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau .
13