PRS (Private Rented Sector) Quiz
True or False – Test your knowledge
1. My landlord can kick me out at any time.
TRUE
FALSE
2. Private Rented Sector is affordable when on Job Seekers Allowance or
Employment Support Allowance.
TRUE
FALSE
3. I have to pay my rent in full when I get a job.
TRUE
FALSE
4. My landlord can increase my rent at any time.
TRUE
FALSE
5. Property standards in the private rented sector are poor.
TRUE
FALSE
6. My landlord can do what he likes with my deposit.
TRUE
FALSE
7. Housing Benefit will also pay for my bills and council tax.
TRUE
FALSE
8. I can get 2 bedroom flat paid by Housing Benefit.
TRUE
FALSE
9. A friend of mine visited me and broke the front door during their visit. Now I
have to pay for it to be repaired.
TRUE
FALSE
10. I can leave my Assured Shorthold Tenancy at any time I like.
TRUE
FALSE
1.
FALSE – During your fixed term assured shorthold tenancy (usually 6-12 months) your
landlord can’t “kick you out”. They may be able to issue a notice for you to leave if you
have severe rent arrears or you have caused anti-social behaviour, but they need to
evict you through the courts.
2.
TRUE - Private Rented Sector can be affordable when claiming JSA or ESA, as you are
entitled to FULL Housing Benefit = Local Housing Allowance. However, you MUST
check what the maximum allowance is for each borough to ensure the property is
affordable.
3.
FALSE – Depending on your earned income (hours worked irrelevant) and your rent
level you may still be entitled to Housing Benefit contribution. Housing Benefit is for
anyone on low income.
4.
FALSE – Your landlord can’t increase your rent up during your fix term tenancy period.
Towards the end of your tenancy term your landlord is required to give you 1 months
written notice of any proposed rent giving you an option to negotiate or to hand in your
notice.
5.
FALSE – Properties in the private rented sector can be of a very good quality.
Standards vary and you should only move into a property of a decent standard. There
are laws that ensure landlords have to keep parts of the property in good working order.
If the property is in a very poor condition, local authorities have powers to force the
landlord to improve the condition of the property.
6.
FALSE – When you are entering an Assured Shorthold Tenancy then by law your
landlord has to protect your deposit in one of the Government recognised Deposit
Protection Schemes. Once they have received the money and it is protected you should
receive a certificate and details of the protection from your landlord.
7.
FALSE - Housing Benefit will ONLY pay for your rent. We are all expected to pay for
our bills including water, electric and gas. Even if your tenancy agreement states that
bills are included the Housing Benefit will deduct money from your allowance
accordingly for you to pay for your bills.
8.
FALSE – As a single person (over 35 years old) you are ONLY entitled to a one
bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate. The same apply for couples.
9.
TRUE – You as the tenant are responsible for not just your own property but also the
communal areas. You are responsible for your visitors and their behaviour. Anti-social
behaviour by your visitors could also lead to eviction.
10. FALSE – You are liable to stay and pay rent for your property for the duration of your fix
term tenancy period. Your landlord may agree to let you leave your tenancy early.
Leaving your tenancy at the end of your fix term you must give written notice to your
landlord usually 2 months prior to your tenancy end date.