Advice and Information for Private Tenants
Useful Tenant information
Here you can find more information on cost of living support.
Here you can find more information on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme .
Here you can access details of the the Government's Right to Rent .
If you’re looking for a property in the private rented sector, the links below might be helpful.
- Visit the Right Move website for more information on properties in the private rented sector.
- Visit the Zoopla website for more information on properties in the private rented sector.
- Visit the On the Market website for more information on properties in the private rented sector.
You will need to consider:
- where you would like to live
- the size and type of accommodation you would like
- whether you can afford the property, consider the amount of rent you will have to pay including household bills
- whether you will have to pay rent in advance, a deposit and/or fees for reference checks
- whether you can get housing benefit
- how long the accommodation is available for
- is the accommodation furnished or unfurnished
- what type of tenancy you will have and for how long
Having a signed tenancy agreement, stating terms and conditions of rental, will make it easier to deal with any disputes. Read the agreement thoroughly before signing (seek advice if you wish), and ensure you keep a copy in a safe place. Assured short hold tenancies are the most common type. More information can be found here - Private renting for tenants: tenancy agreements
Help for Private Tenants
You may find information available on this page useful if you are renting or considering renting a property direct from a private landlord.
Advice on the responsibilities involved in becoming a tenant in a private rented property.
Your landlord must keep the property that you live in safe and free from health hazards. The How to rent a safe home guide contains some useful information on what you can expect when renting a safe home and information about important landlord responsibilities such as gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety and carbon monoxide alarms.
Your landlord has the right to come into your home to check what needs repairing - but they must give you at least 24 hours notice, and must come at an agreed time (although you'll obviously want them to come as quickly as possible if it's an emergency).
The property you rent must meet certain health and safety standards by law. If your landlord doesn't meet these standards they are risking your safety. The landlord is committing an offence and could have legal action taken against them.
If the landlord does not carry out a repair you have reported, speak to the Council’s Private Sector Housing team on 01902 551155 to investigate reports of disrepair
The new Act was introduced on 20th March 2019 and amends the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to require that any property let by a landlord (private or social) is fit for human habitation when a tenancy is granted and remains so for its duration. More information can be found at Guidance for Tenants .
Some private landlords put pressure on their tenants to get them to leave their home.
As a private tenant, you have legal rights which mean that you cannot be forced out of your home. If the landlord wants to legally evict you, they will need to follow the correct legal procedure appropriate to the type of tenancy you have. Your landlord will initially need to give you written notice to leave your tenancy.
Harassment can include anything done by a landlord, their agent or any other person acting on the owner's behalf. Illegal or unlawful eviction is when a landlord, their agent or any other person acting on the owner's behalf unlawfully deprives you of all or part of your home
Examples of harassment or illegal eviction may include:
- Threats, abuse or actual violence.
- Threatening you if you refuse to leave the property.
- Physically throwing you out.
- Cutting off or interfering with services (gas, water or electricity supply).
- Entering your home without your permission.
- Changing the locks.
- Removing your belongings.
- Constant telephone calls and/or text messages.
If you’re experiencing harassment from your landlord or someone acting on their behalf, or if your landlord has asked you to leave the property, please contact the Call Us First team by submitting a referral.
Before searching for a property, it is important to be realistic about what you can afford. Remember that rent is not the only cost - travel costs, utility bills, council tax, insurance and TV/phone bills should all be considered. Are there transport links or shops nearby? You may find this Budget Ready Reckoner a useful way of calculating what you can afford to pay in rent.
If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Local Housing Allowance. Find out more to see if you qualify for help with rent.
Most landlords will ask you for a character reference from an employer, education college, bank and/or other responsible person. They may also want a copy of your wage slip. Be honest when giving information as debt history can be traced and your application rejected.
If you rent a whole house or flat, your landlord must show you an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you move in. If the landlord does not have an Energy Performance Certificate for or a property you are considering to rent, you can search for the Energy Performance Certificate with your property postcode.
Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.
Finding a more energy efficient property could help save you money on your fuel bills.
Ask for advice when you need it
Recent laws have introduced better protection from bad housing and most people find good landlords. However, a few will have bad experiences and need expert advice.
If you’re uncertain and need advice on renting a property from a landlord or agent, please reach out to the Call Us First Team by submitting a referral. Alternatively further information can be found from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
