Private landlord responsibilities

Most private renters have assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs).

Check your tenancy type if you're not sure.

Before your tenancy starts

Private landlords and agents must carry out a right to rent check on anyone who wants to rent a room or a property.

Most landlords and agents also do other checks. For example:

• referencing

• income, affordability or credit checks

Landlords and agents cannot charge fees for these types of checks.

You might be asked to pay a holding deposit to reserve a property while the landlord or agent does checks. Find out more about paying a holding deposit.

Documents you should get

Your landlord must give you:

• an energy performance certificate (EPC) unless you are a lodger

• a gas safety certificate if your home has gas appliances

If you have an assured shorthold tenancy that started or was renewed on or after 1 October 2015, your landlord must also give you a copy of the How to rent guide.

Tenancy deposits

Your landlord must protect your tenancy deposit in a deposit protection scheme if you are an assured shorthold tenant.

If your landlord does not protect your deposit:

• you can claim compensation

• it can be harder for your landlord to end your tenancy

Lodgers' deposits do not have to be protected.

Your landlord should give your deposit back when your tenancy ends unless they have a reason to keep the money.

Repairs

Your landlord is responsible for most repairs in your home.

If your landlord needs to come in to check the property they should:

• give you at least 24 hours' notice in writing

• speak to you about a time to visit

Health and safety 

Your landlord must:

• arrange gas safety checks every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer

• make sure wiring and electrical appliances are safe

• put smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with a coal fire or wood burning stove 

Your landlord does not have to put smoke alarms in if you are a lodger.

Rent and rent increases

Your landlord must tell you when and how your rent should be paid. If you pay your rent weekly, your landlord must give you a rent book.

Landlords must follow rules on rent increases.

They could also get you to pay more if your rent includes utility bills.

Letting you enjoy your home

Landlords must let you live in your home without disturbing you. 

Your landlord should not come into your home unless you agree.

Your landlord should not harass you or make it hard for you to live in your home.

Eviction

Legal eviction takes time.

If you have an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord must take these 3 steps:

1. give you a notice

2. ask the court to evict you if you stay after your notice period ends

3. ask the courts to evict you with bailiffs

It could be an illegal eviction If your landlord or agent does not do these things.

You have fewer rights if you're a lodger.

Other tenancy types

Find out about eviction if you have a different type of tenancy.