Tenant FAQs

Yes—always best. A written tenancy sets out rent, notice periods, repair responsibilities, and defines what each party must do. It's your proof if there's a dispute.

Use: Tenant templates & agreement checks or ask a TLA adviser.

No—they need your permission or a court order. Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice for inspections, except in genuine emergencies.

You have the right to refuse entry at unreasonable times. Harassment or illegal entry can be reported to police and council.

You have the right to use your home without interference. This means no harassment, excessive visits, or disruption from your landlord or their agents.

Breaches include: unannounced visits, threatening behavior, cutting off utilities, or pressure to leave.

Get help: Harassment response toolkit.

A Section 21 is a 'no-fault' eviction notice giving you 2 months to leave. It must be served correctly and meet strict legal requirements.

Common defects: wrong form, deposit not protected, gas safety not provided, or served too early.

A Section 8 notice claims you've breached your tenancy (usually rent arrears). It lists specific 'grounds' and gives notice periods from 2 weeks to 2 months.

You can defend by: disputing the grounds, paying arrears, or negotiating. The landlord must still get a court order.

Response tools: Section 8 defence templates.

Only if there's a break clause or mutual agreement. Options include valid break clauses, mutual surrender, assignment, or (rarely) legal grounds like serious disrepair.

Get step-by-step help: Early exit toolkit.

Usually one full rental period in writing, ending on the correct day of the period. For monthly tenancies, give a month's notice to end on a rent day.

Template available: Tenant Notice to Quit form.

Yes, if it's unreasonable. Periodic tenancy increases need proper Section 13 notice. You can challenge excessive rises at the First-tier Tribunal within 1 month.

The tribunal considers: local rents, property condition, and terms. Get help: Rent increase response kit.

Contact your landlord immediately. Be honest, propose a realistic payment plan, and keep paying what you can. Check benefit entitlements and get debt advice.

Support available: Arrears negotiation templates and payment plan calculators.

Yes, if you pay in cash. Landlords must provide written receipts for cash payments free of charge. This helps prove payment and prevents disputes.

For other payments, keep bank statements, standing order confirmments, or online payment records as proof.

Structure, exterior, heating, hot water, gas/electricity, and sanitation. They must also ensure the property meets safety standards and address hazards.

Report properly: written notice, photos, reasonable deadlines. Escalate to council Environmental Health if ignored.

Tools: Repair request templates and escalation guides.

Immediate health/safety risks: no heating in winter, major leaks, electrical dangers, broken locks, or gas leaks. These need urgent action.

For gas emergencies, call the National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999

Not safely without court approval. Rent withholding can trigger possession proceedings, even where genuine disrepair exists.

Safer alternatives: formal repair notices, council intervention, negotiated rent reductions, or legal remedies through proper channels.

Deposits must be protected within 30 days in an approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits). You should receive prescribed information explaining the protection.

If not protected: you may claim 1-3× deposit penalty, and Section 21 notices become invalid until compliance.

Check now: Deposit protection checker.

Use the protection scheme's free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Gather evidence: check-in/out reports, photos, receipts, and correspondence.

Common unfair deductions: normal wear and tear, pre-existing damage, or unreasonable cleaning charges.

Within 10 days of agreement if there are no disputes. If there are deductions to discuss, they should provide an itemized list promptly.

If protected, the scheme will release undisputed amounts quickly. Disputed portions go through ADR if no agreement is reached.

Landlords must fix structural causes: leaks, failed ventilation, poor insulation, or inadequate heating systems. Document with photos and report promptly.

If it's affecting health and ignored, contact your council's private sector housing team. Keep records of any health impacts.

Yes, absolutely. Landlords must provide a current gas safety record within 28 days of your request, and before you move in.

Gas appliances must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. No valid certificate means potential danger and legal breach.

Electrical installations must be tested every 5 years by a qualified electrician. You're entitled to see the inspection report.

Landlords must fix dangerous electrical problems immediately. Report flickering lights, burning smells, or regular fuse trips.

No—discrimination is illegal. Landlords cannot treat you unfairly because of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or family status.

This includes: refusing applications, different terms, harassment, or eviction based on protected characteristics.

Report to: TLA legal team or Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Don't ignore court papers. You have the right to defend possession claims, and courts cannot evict without proper procedure.

Get urgent advice: TLA emergency legal support or local housing advice service.

No—this is unlawful eviction. Only court bailiffs can physically remove tenants. Landlords cannot use force, threats, or lock you out.

Immediate action: Call police (101), contact council housing emergency team, and seek urgent legal advice.

You may be entitled to compensation and emergency rehousing assistance.

Legal aid may be available for housing disrepair, harassment, or unlawful eviction cases if you meet financial criteria.

Other support: TLA legal helpline, Citizens Advice, Shelter, and law school clinics offer free housing advice.

Generally yes, but new guidance encourages reasonable pet policies. Since 2021, the government expects landlords to consider pet requests fairly.

They can still refuse for good reasons: property damage risk, lease restrictions, or unsuitable accommodation.

Only with written landlord permission. Most tenancy agreements prohibit subletting without consent. Unauthorized subletting can lead to eviction.

Exceptions: Taking in lodgers may be allowed if you're renting the whole property and it's not specifically prohibited.

A fair comparison with the check-in condition. The property should be clean and in similar condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.

Be present if possible, take photos, and address any concerns immediately. Get a copy of the checkout report.

Yes, for practical reasons. They need it to return your deposit, send final bills, or forward any mail. It's also often required by your tenancy agreement.

Your address will only be used for legitimate landlord purposes and isn't shared with others.