Assured tenancies with private landlords

Most landlords give you a written tenancy agreement but some agreements are verbal.

From 1 May 2026, landlords or letting agents must give you written information about the tenancy before you agree to it.

Your landlord must give you the Renters' Rights Act information sheet on GOV.UK if your tenancy started before 1 May 2026. This tells you about your new rights.

You can complain to the council if you do not get this information by 31 May 2026.

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Your landlord cannot just:

• tell you the rent is going up

• ask or pressure you to agree to an increase

From 1 May 2026 your landlord can only put your rent up with a section 13 notice.

This notice:

• can only be used once a year

• cannot be used in the first year of your tenancy

• must give at least 2 months' notice of a rent increase

Some old tenancy agreements might have a 'rent review clause'. Your landlord cannot use this to increase your rent now the law has changed.

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Your tenancy does not have an end date. It lasts until you or your landlord ends it.

Your tenancy can end if:

• you serve a valid notice to quit

• you and your landlord agree to end the tenancy

• your landlord evicts you through the courts

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You can end your tenancy by either:

• agreement with your landlord

• giving at least 2 months' notice

Get any agreement on the tenancy end date in writing if you do not give a legal notice.

You could still have to pay rent if you do not end your tenancy properly.

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Your landlord can only make you leave if they take all these steps:

1. give you an eviction notice

2. get a court order telling you to leave

3. ask court bailiffs to evict you

Assured tenants can only be evicted for a legal reason. For example, rent arrears.

It is a criminal offence if your landlord tries to evict you without a court order.

Find out how to deal with:

• illegal eviction

• harassment from a landlord or agent

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Tell your landlord if you're away for more than a short time.

Some tenancy agreements say you have to tell the landlord if the property is empty for more than 4 weeks.

Tell your landlord if, for example, you're:

• in hospital

• staying with a relative

• working away for a time

Leave personal belongings in your home and ask someone you trust to check on the property.

Your landlord could evict you quite easily if they think you have moved out permanently.

They can give you a landlord's notice to quit.

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Your landlord is responsible for most repairs, including:

• the boiler, central heating and hot water

• the roof, walls and windows

• guttering and drainpipes

• toilets and sanitation

• gas and water pipes

• external doors

Your tenancy agreement might say they have to fix or replace other things. For example, fridges or washing machines.

You must report things that need fixing to stop problems getting worse.

Your landlord is also responsible for:

• gas safety checks once a year

• electrical safety checks every 5 years

• smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Alarms must be working at the start of your tenancy. You should test them once a month and replace the batteries when needed.

Any furniture your landlord provides should be fire resistant.

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You can write to your landlord and ask to keep a pet. Your landlord cannot evict you for asking.

Your landlord should not say no without a good reason.

They must usually let you know if it's okay in writing within 4 weeks.

Your landlord could ask for more information about the pet before they agree. They might have to ask the building owner if you live in a flat.

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A joint tenancy will pass to any other joint tenants.

If the tenancy is only in your name it can usually pass to a partner who you live with.

If you do not live with a partner, your tenancy could pass to another family member who lives with you.

More on who can inherit a private tenancy.

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