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Private renting tenants

Landlord problems? Worried about your deposit, getting repairs done or finding an affordable place to rent in the private sector? Get advice from Shelter.

More useful information

Find a place to live

Watch out for expensive letting agents and their up-front costs – consider all your options for finding a private rented home.

Get help with the costs

If you are on benefits or a low income, you can get help with the rent, but keep up to speed with planned changes to housing benefit. If you can’t afford a deposit, maybe a rent deposit scheme could help?

Protect your cash

Make sure your rent deposit is protected in a regulated scheme and you get a proper inventory done. If your deposit isn’t protected, find out how to get it back when your tenancy ends.

Keep safe in your home

Find out what you can do if your landlord won’t arrange for repairs or is harassing you. Your landlord should get your gas appliances checked each year.

End your tenancy properly

You could face a big bill if you don’t end your tenancy properly – don’t just walk away.

Nightmare landlord?

Check out our ‘Evict rogue landlords’ campaign. We’re calling for better protection of tenants – support Shelter by signing up.

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