Private tenants' rights

Content applies to England

Private tenants can have several different types of tenancy. Some of these give you more rights than others.

It's very important to know what kind of tenancy you have, as it can have a big impact on your rights. The vast majority of private tenants are assured shorthold tenants but it is possible that you have a different type of tenancy. It usually depends on the sort of accommodation you live in and when your tenancy started. You may not necessarily have the type of tenancy that your tenancy agreement says you have.

Checking the tenancy type

This section helps you to work out what sort of tenancy you have. It only applies to private tenants. You may have a different type of tenancy than you think! More 

Assured shorthold tenancies

This section explains the rights you have if you are an assured shorthold tenant with a private landlord. More 

Assured tenancies

This section explains the rights you have if you are an assured tenant with a private landlord. More 

Regulated tenancies

You have very strong rights if you have a regulated tenancy with a private landlord. More 

Occupiers with basic protection

If you are an occupier with basic protection and you have a private landlord, you have limited rights. More 

Excluded occupiers

If you rent from a private landlord and are an excluded occupier (for example if you life in your landlord's home) you have very few tenancy rights. More 

Subtenants

Find out about the rights subtenants have, including if their landlord's tenancy ends. More 

Other types

You have different rights if you rent a mobile home, or you work for a private landlord and your home comes as part of your job. More 

Updated: 13 Apr 07