Moving out during repairs

If your landlord asks you to move out for a short time, ask them to put these things in writing:

• how long you have to move out for

• how much rent you need to pay

• that you can return when the repairs are done

• if they will help with money for things like moving or storage

Staying during repair work

You have the right to stay in your private rented home while most repairs are done.

Your landlord should:

• tell you how long work should take

• agree with you when and where work takes place

• try not to disturb your daily life

You only have to move out if there is no other way to do the repairs. 

Your landlord needs to apply for a court order if you do not agree to move out temporarily.

Another place to live during repairs work

Most private landlords do not have to give you somewhere else to live during repair or building work, even if parts of your home cannot be used.

Your landlord only has to give you somewhere else to live if your tenancy agreement says so.

Rent and other costs

You can ask your landlord to reduce your rent if you cannot use part or all of your home during repair or building work.

You can also ask them to help with your bills if their workers use your gas or electricity.

Take meter readings before and after the work is done. You can show your landlord if more energy was used than normal.

If your landlord asks you to leave

Your private landlord may try to end your tenancy if they want to do major repair or building work in your home.

Your landlord must take the right legal steps and give you the right notice. How much notice you get depends on the type of tenancy you have.

It's a criminal offence for your landlord to make you leave your home without taking the right legal steps.

If you want to move somewhere else

You might decide it's best to find somewhere else if repairs or building work make your home unsuitable to live in.

Find out how to end:

• a fixed term tenancy

• a periodic or rolling tenancy