An overview of your rights if you are privately renting

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Housing law can be complex; you may find it hard to decipher the legislation and work out just what rights and responsibilities you have as a privately renting tenant. To help you out, we’ve made an easy to understand overview, so that you know exactly where you stand.

As a tenant you have the following rights:

  • The property must be in a good state of repair (find out more about disrepair here)
  • (In most cases) your landlord must protect your deposit
  • You have the right to challenge disproportionate/unfair charges
  • You have the right to know who your landlord is; your landlord can be fined if they don’t give you this information within 21 days.
  • You have the right to have undisturbed enjoyment of the property
  • The right to see the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for the property
  • The right to protection from unfair eviction and unfair rent
  • You have the right to an agreement in writing if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years

 

Alongside the rights you have as a tenant you also have responsibilities:

  • You have to allow your landlord access to the property to inspect it and carry out repairs
    • Your landlord must give you 24 hours notice and must not enter without your knowledge or permission- unless it’s an emergency
  • You must look after the property to a reasonable standard
  • You must pay the amount of rent which you agreed, even if you are in dispute with your landlord
  • You must pay any other bills which you agreed with your landlord
  • You must pay for damage to property or replace items which were damage by you or your guests
  • You mustn’t sublet the property unless the landlord or tenancy agreement allows it
  • If you fail to meet these responsibilities, your landlord may take legal action against you and you may be evicted.

If you would like to find out more about your rights and responsibilities or you would like our help in dealing with issues with you landlord call one of our expert housing solicitors today.

For more information on housing law, check out our housing law pages, here.