Private tenants

We are able to help tenants who have problems with disrepair in the properties they rent. If your landlord is not carrying out repairs you have reported we can investigate the problems and take action if appropriate. Find more details on standards in private homes.

If you live in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), there may be specific requirements that must be met. Please visit our HMO pages, visit our HMO pages.

In recent months the recession has highlighted a new victim - tenants of landlords who are repossessed. Could you be the next blameless victim?

Gas safety

If you are living in a rented property where there are gas appliances provided by your landlord, your landlord must ensure that these have a gas safety check at least annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Your landlord must also supply a copy of the gas safety certificate to you at the start of your tenancy and on request. For more information please see the Health and Safety Executive web site.

Renting from a private landlord in the short-term can be cheaper than buying your own home. You can have greater flexibility over the length of time you live in a property, the amount you pay, where you live and type of property you live in. You may also have less responsibility with the cost of repairs but did you know that as a tenant you have rights?

The document below 'Helping you find a home' details your rights as a tenant over eviction and harassment from your landlord as well as what benefits, loans and grants may be available to you. It also has advice on how to find and secure accommodation and information about tenancy agreements and types of tenancies.