When renting privately, it is vitally important that you understand everything you are required to do, help that is available and who to speak to for advice. 

You have certain rights and responsibilities if you’re a tenant in privately rented property.

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 your deposit 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 3 years

If you have a tenancy agreement, it should be fair and comply with the law.

If you do not know who your landlord is, write to the person or company you pay rent to. Your landlord can be fined If they do not give you this information within 21 days.

When you start a new assured or short assured tenancy, your landlord must give you:

• a copy of the How to rent guide if you live in England
• a tenant information pack if you live in Scotland

Your responsibilities

You should 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, for example turn 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, for example 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

Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you do not meet your responsibilities.

All the information and much more can be found on the Government Private Renting website https://www.gov.uk/private-renting

The charity SAIL have lots of advice and support for housing https://sailine.org.uk 

Money Helper is another charity which can offer fantastic support and advice around renting https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/renting