Your Rights as a Tenant
Clear, comprehensive guides to your legal protections as a private renter in England. Know what your landlord must do and what you can do if things go wrong.
Deposit Protection
Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. If they don't, they can't evict you with Section 21 and you may be entitled to compensation of 1-3x your deposit.
Topics covered:
- TDS, DPS, MyDeposits schemes
- 30-day protection deadline
- Prescribed information requirements
- Deposit disputes
- Compensation claims
Repairs & Maintenance
Landlords have legal obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to keep the structure, exterior and installations in good repair. Awaab's Law now sets strict deadlines.
Topics covered:
- Landlord repair obligations
- Reporting repairs properly
- What to do if repairs aren't done
- Rent reduction for disrepair
- Council enforcement
Eviction & Section 21
Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished from 1 May 2026. Until then, landlords must follow strict procedures. You cannot be evicted without a court order.
Topics covered:
- Section 21 notices (until May 2026)
- Section 8 grounds
- Illegal eviction
- Court possession process
- New 2026 eviction rules
Rent Increases
Your landlord can only increase rent in specific ways. From May 2026, only Section 13 notices are allowed, once per year, and you can challenge unfair increases at tribunal.
Topics covered:
- Section 13 notices
- Challenging rent increases
- First-tier Tribunal
- Market rent assessment
- Rent review clauses
Privacy & Access
You have the right to 'quiet enjoyment' of your home. Your landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice before visiting, except in genuine emergencies.
Topics covered:
- 24-hour notice requirement
- Quiet enjoyment rights
- Landlord harassment
- Changing locks
- Emergency access
Tenancy Agreements
Understand your tenancy type and what terms are enforceable. Some terms in tenancy agreements are unfair and can be challenged under consumer protection law.
Topics covered:
- Assured shorthold tenancies
- Periodic vs fixed-term
- Unfair contract terms
- Joint tenancies
- Ending your tenancy
Major Changes Coming May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 evictions and introduces major new protections. Make sure you understand how the law is changing.
Read our complete guide to the 2026 changes