In privately rented property, you and your landlord will have certain rights and responsibilities.
Your rights
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- live in a property that's safe and in a good state of repair
- have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends - and in some circumstances have it protected
- challenge excessively high charges
- know who your landlord is
- live in the property undisturbed
- see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
- be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent
- have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than three years.
If you have a tenancy agreement, it should be fair and comply with the law.
If you don't know who your landlord is, ask the person or company you pay rent to, in writing. If they don't give you this information within 21 days, your landlord may be fined.
Your responsibilities
You must give your landlord access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs. Your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours' notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it's an emergency and they need immediate access.
You must also:
- take good care of the property, eg by turning off the water at the mains if you're away in cold weather
- pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you're in dispute with your landlord
- pay other charges as agreed with the landlord - these may include Council Tax or utility bills
- repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends
only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement, or your landlord, allows it.
If you don't fulfil your responsibilities, your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you.