Information for tenants

If you are struggling to pay the rent, it is important to tell your landlord. You may also be able to get help with rent payments. You should:

• get advice from housing options
• check if you are entitled to Universal Credit
• check if you are entitled to help with the cost of living

If you are behind with your rent, or causing antisocial/criminal behaviour, the landlord may have grounds to evict you. To prevent homelessness, it is important to take action and get advice and support at the earliest opportunity.

If the landlord wants to increase the rent, there are rules on how this can be done. It is proposed the rules will change with the Renters Rights Bill currently being discussed in parliament.

Tenants have a right to live in the property without being disturbed by the landlord or their representatives. Unless there is an emergency, at least 24 hours written notice is required before any visit. Tenants must co-operate with landlords for access for repairs and safety checks.

Landlords can be fined for Harassment if they fail to follow the rules.

Repairs

Landlords have a duty to ensure properties are maintained in a good condition and tenants are required to report repairs promptly.

Many landlords and agents have written timeframes for reporting and responding to repairs.

It is recommended that any requests for repairs are made in writing and a copy kept.

If the landlord fails to action a repair within a suitable manner or timeframe, it may be necessary to seek further advice. The Housing Standards team investigate disrepair with private rented properties and in Social Housing. More details can be found on our Property Standards pages.