Information for tenants
Overview
In this section you will learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant if you are in private rented accommodation. There is advice on what you should consider before you start your tenancy, what you need to do during your tenancy, and what you should do at the end of your tenancy.
There is advice on what to do if you are struggling to pay your rent, or if you think the condition of the property needs attention. Your landlord has certain responsibilities towards you and the property whilst you are renting which is also outlined in these pages.
Your rights and responsibilities
Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant will depend on factors such as whether the landlord lives in the same property as you, how long you have lived there and what type of tenancy agreement you have.
If you are a private tenant we can provide you with advice and support in the following ways:
- work between you and your landlord to avoid unnecessary evictions
- provide you with a list of available properties that are available to rent privately
- advise you on paying your rent
- keep you informed on housing law and tenancy regulation and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- refer you to the private sector team who can advise you on disrepair issues
- provide guidance and support if you feel that your landlord has unfairly treated you, or if you have been harassed, threatened or illegally evicted
- give you advice on maintaining a good relationship with your landlord
- assist you with a Bond Guarantee
- provide referrals for affordable furniture
- refer you to the Credit Union who can assist you in saving money
Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018
On 20 March 2019 a new law came into force to make sure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’, which means that they are safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm. If your rented house or flat is not ‘fit for human habitation’, you can take your landlord to court.
The court can make your landlord carry out repairs or put right health and safety problems. They can also make the landlord pay compensation to you. More information on the act can be found on the GOV.UK website.
