Before you get the keys to your property, you should sign a tenancy agreement. This document sets out the expectations of both you and your landlord.
As a tenant you also have the right to:
Read more about you tenancy rights on Shelter’s website and on the government website.
Remember, always notify your landlord or letting agent in a timely manner. Never call the landlord expecting the issue to be resolved immediately, as tradesmen if required will need to be booked and they are often very busy.
If you are a tenant and are concerned that the condition/outstanding repairs of your rented property are affecting your health and/or safety you should in the first instance contact your landlord or housing association to give them a chance to resolve the matter. If you cannot resolve this matter, please contact our Environmental Health team for further advice.
Tenants are advised to follow this three-step process:
Read more about how to complain about a social housing issue on the government website.
If the works have not been completed or you are still concerned, then please contact our environmental services domestic team on 01353 665555.
We may give you advice over the phone or email, or if we consider it necessary an officer may arrange to visit your property to complete an inspection under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
If you are homeless or facing homelessness, you can find out more on our at risk of homelessness pages.
Always read any letters from your landlord. They may contain information about the action they are going to take.
Your landlord must follow strict procedures if they want you to leave their property, depending on the type of tenancy agreement you have and the terms of it. If they don’t, they may be guilty of illegally evicting or harassing you.
Rent increases must be fair and realistic, such as in line with average local rents.
If your tenancy agreement lays down a procedure for increasing rent, your landlord must stick to this or get your written permission if they want to increase your rent by more than previously agreed.
Your landlord can renew your tenancy agreement at the end of the fixed term with an increased rent.
Your landlord must give you a minimum of one month’s notice if you pay rent weekly or monthly. If you have a yearly tenancy, they must give you 6 months’ notice.
If you are a private tenant and think your rent is too high, you might be able to ask a tribunal to set the rent. You can read more about this on Shelter's website.
You can get free advice on disputes or housing problems from our housing advisers or Shelter. A solicitor can help you, but they may charge a fee. If you have to go to court you can get advice on the day of the hearing from the housing duty desk at the court.
You can often sort out disputes with your landlord without going to court:
Your responsibilities as a tenant include:
For more information visit private renting: Your rights and responsibilities on the government website