Private Rented Accommodation
Private Sector
Private renting through a private landlord or an agent is very flexible and a privately rented home can be easy to move into. Often it is the first accommodation people live in once they leave home and, with many people moving around to find work, private renting is a good solution.
The private rented sector is very varied and ranges from bedsits to luxury town centre apartments. The standard of accommodation and management can also vary. We can give you guidance on the legal standards for private rented housing, advice on how to go about letting a property and what to do if you have problems. The Council have a range of powers that can be use to ensure people and properties are safe and well managed and tenants are free from harassment and nuisance.
If you’re already a tenant, thinking of renting from a private landlord, or looking for somewhere to live, then we can help:
The private rented sector is very varied and ranges from bedsits to luxury town centre apartments. The standard of accommodation and management can also vary. We can give you guidance on the legal standards for private rented housing, advice on how to go about letting a property and what to do if you have problems. The Council have a range of powers that can be use to ensure people and properties are safe and well managed and tenants are free from harassment and nuisance.
If you’re already a tenant, thinking of renting from a private landlord, or looking for somewhere to live, then we can help:
Private rented property is advertised in many ways, including in newspapers (the local free papers are useful), magazines, shop windows, supermarket notice-boards, estate agents and on internet sites. If you’re not sure of the best way, it’s sensible to go through a reputable letting agent. For more information regarding letting agents, please click on the following link: letting agent website.
What to do before you rent
Before you agree to rent, or sign anything, take a good look at the property you’re thinking of renting. Is it safe and fit for you to live in? Here are some things you should think about:
- Heating: what kind is there, and does it work?
- Damp: look for tell tale stains or mould on walls and ceilings.
- Electricity: are there enough sockets and do they work?
- Water: turn on a tap to check that it works.
- Gas: does the property have a Gas Safety Certificate from a CORGI gas engineer?
- Kitchen and bathroom: are they well equipped and big enough? Do they have adequate ventilation?
- Furniture: check what comes with the property and what condition it is in. The landlord should give you a list. Make sure you agree with what’s on it.
- Security: check that all the doors and windows close properly and that there are enough locks and bolts to keep the place secure.
- Safety: how would you get out in a fire? Is there a smoke alarm?
If you’re thinking of moving into a house that’s been converted into flats, bedsits, or a hostel there should be fire safety equipment such as smoke and heat detectors, fire doors and fire blankets.
Make a list of anything that does not work or is missing and talk to the landlord about it.
You should also make sure that you:
You should also make sure that you:
- Can afford the rent. You may be able to get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent, so find out first. For more information on Housing Benefits click on the following link: housing benefit
- Get a written tenancy agreement, which says what your rent is and spells out what you and your landlord are responsible for.
- Get a receipt if you have paid a deposit to the landlord.
Getting repairs done
If you need a repair, write to your landlord or telephone if it’s an emergency. If your landlord won’t do the work, contact:
The Environmental Health sectionOr the Housing Options Team(contact details at bottom of page).
We can take legal action to get the work done. In really bad cases, we can close the property down and help you to find alternative accommodation.
To find out more about the role of the Environmental Health section regarding Housing Standards please click on the following link: Housing Standard Information
When you sign your tenancy agreement you should find out which repairs your landlord is responsible for, which repairs you should do, and how to report a repair.
If you want to end your tenancy you usually have to give 28 days notice in writing to your landlord (make sure to keep a copy of the letter). If you have a fixed term agreement such as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy you may have to pay rent until the end of your agreement, unless it contains a clause allowing you to leave early.
For example, if you leave after three months of a six month tenancy you may have to pay rent for the remaining three months, if your landlord has been unable to re-let the property during the period of your tenancy.
Once the fixed term period is up you need only give 28 days notice. Remember to keep a copy of the letter.
For example, if you leave after three months of a six month tenancy you may have to pay rent for the remaining three months, if your landlord has been unable to re-let the property during the period of your tenancy.
Once the fixed term period is up you need only give 28 days notice. Remember to keep a copy of the letter.
If your landlord wants to end your tenancy
If your landlord tells you that he or she wants you to leave, check your tenancy agreement to see what notice you are entitled to. The length and type of notice that your landlord will have to give you depends on which type of tenancy you have.
Unless you share accommodation with your landlord you will usually be entitled to get written notice and a court order before having to leave. It is a criminal offence for your landlord to evict you without following the correct legal procedure. For more information regarding evictions please click on this link: Evictions.
You and your landlord
You are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of the property you are renting. This means that your landlord has to let you use the property peacefully and must allow you to exercise all of your legal rights.
Your landlord (and agent if you have one) must, by law, give you their name and address so that you can report repairs or other problems.
Your landlord may have a spare set of keys to your property but does not have the right to enter at any time. The only time your landlord has right of access is to check for any necessary repairs and to do this they need to give you at least 24 hours notice in writing. However, this could be less in case of an emergency, but your agreement must still be sought before the landlord can enter your property.
If you are worried that your landlord is entering the property while you are out it may be possible for you to change the lock. But take advice before doing this (contact our Housing Policy Team section).
Your landlord (and agent if you have one) must, by law, give you their name and address so that you can report repairs or other problems.
Your landlord may have a spare set of keys to your property but does not have the right to enter at any time. The only time your landlord has right of access is to check for any necessary repairs and to do this they need to give you at least 24 hours notice in writing. However, this could be less in case of an emergency, but your agreement must still be sought before the landlord can enter your property.
If you are worried that your landlord is entering the property while you are out it may be possible for you to change the lock. But take advice before doing this (contact our Housing Policy Team section).
If you pay your rent weekly you are legally entitled to a rent book or similar document. If you pay your rent monthly you should ask for a receipt for all rent paid.
Shelter has a useful website - www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights
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