5 Of The Biggest Landlord And Tenant Myths Revealed

As far as the rights and liabilities of landlords and tenants are concerned, some rumours have become urban legends, and those legends tend to survive throughout the decades. The myths concerning letting apartments, from both parties - landlords and tenants - are similarly confusing in terms of what is permitted and what isn't. Here are 5 of the biggest myths - revealed.
 
There are laws regulating the relations between landlords and tenants, which vary from country to country. But, paradoxically, the myths around them are very similar. Obviously the problems and the potential points of argument are the same, plus no sane person would sacrifice the time and effort to study all the laws in their free time. Read below to learn about some of the most common myths.

N5: The landlord is obliged to return the cash deposit for holding the residence if the tenant cancels the deal
First of all, not every landlord agrees to holding the residence. Then, the landlord is within his/her right to withhold the deposit, because the law in many counties permits him to be compensated for the losses of withdrawing the property from the market, including for lost rent.

N4: The 90- or 60-day notice doesn't refer to month-to-month tenants
In several EU countries tenants are obliged to give a 60- or 90-day notice before vacating the residence. According to the urban legend, a tenant under a month-to-month contract can escape that obligation, which is, of course, wrong. Every tenant has to announce his/her decision to move out in advance, as stated in the rental contract.

N3: Parties can be forbidden in a rental flat
This is probably the biggest concern of young tenants - how to get around the ban on partying in the house. However, the landlord generally doesn't have the right to ban parties! In most countries any loud music and voices are allowed during the day and until some time in the evening - for example, 10 o'clock on weekdays and 11 o'clock at weekends. So every tenant is free to party until these hours, and later, by the way, if not disturbing, the definition of which varies for everyone's ears and nerves.  

N2: The landlord must have his or her own key and can enter the residence without the tenant's permission
Don't fall into the trap of the old belief that if the place is the landlord's property, he or she has to have access to it anytime. The tenant is often the only person holding the keys for the flat or the house; if the landlord or property management company has keys and needs to enter, the tenant should be informed ahead of time. An exception is made in cases of emergency or with the special permission of the tenant.

N1: The 30- (or 60-, or 90-) day notice can be skipped, if the tenant presents a few promising potential tenants
Pay attention, this is the single biggest myth in rental relations. And yes, you guessed right, the tenant is not allowed to skip the notice and leave the residence earlier if he or she finds several suitable candidates to rent the residence after him or her unless the landlord agrees. So, as unpleasant as it sounds, paying two rents for two places for some time can happen to every tenant who wants to move.