Private tenants

In all privately-rented property, tenants will have certain rights and responsibilities.

For more information on repairs, arrears, rent increases, disputes and complaints, visit the private renting section of the Gov.uk website. 

The government has also produced a useful guide for private renters on 'How to rent'.

Letting agent dispute tool

Private tenants who are unhappy with their Letting Agents can now complain to an independent redress scheme about their Lettings Agent's hidden fees, inaccurate charging, poor service, holding deposit disputes and other problems.  

To find out more about this, visit the Shelter.org.uk.

Tenancy agreements for private rent

There are two types of tenancy agreement that a private landlord can now issue – assured and assured shorthold tenants (ASTs).

Assured tenancy

If a landlord lets a property on an assured tenancy, the landlord does not have an automatic right to repossess the property when the tenancy comes to an end.

The tenant has the right to remain in the property unless the landlord can prove to the court that they have grounds for possession. 

Assured shorthold tenancy

If a landlord lets a property on an assured shorthold basis, they can regain possession of their property six months after the beginning of the tenancy agreement, provided they give 2 months' notice to the tenant.