Help for private sector tenants

Find out how we can support you in finding and maintaining your privately-rented property.

The government's How to rent a safe home guide provides all the information you need to make your private tenancy a success.

We can also help you with your private tenancy.

Get help with a repair

Where properties in poor condition are let to tenants and improvements are not carried out, we have enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004 and other legislation to make sure landlords bring properties up to an acceptable standard.

Your landlord is responsible for repairing:

the structure and outside of the building, including the walls, stairs and banisters, roof, external doors and windows
sinks, baths, toilets, pipes and drains
heating and hot water
issues that are likely to be the cause of damp and mould
chimneys and ventilation
gas appliances
electrical wiring
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
entrance halls, communal stairways and shared kitchens

Report a landlord who has not carried out a repair

We do not investigate complaints about Social Housing. We would advise you to make a complaint to your landlord or registered provider in the first instance. Information about reporting repairs to a housing association landlord can be found on the Shelter website.

If you are unhappy with your landlord's final response you can make an official complaint. Information regarding how to make a complaint is available on the Social Housing complaints website.

Check whether your landlord is accredited

When you are looking to rent a property, you can contact our private sector housing team to check whether your prospective landlord is accredited.

Get help with harassment or illegal eviction

If your landlord is attempting to evict you illegally or harassing you in anyway, contact our homelessness and housing options team for advice. Let us know that you are having trouble before you leave your property.

Examples of harassment or illegal eviction include:

threats, abuse or actual violence
threatening you if you refuse to leave the property
physically throwing you out
cutting off or interfering with services (gas, water or electricity supply)
entering your home without your permission
changing the locks
removing your belongings
constant telephone calls or text messages

Renters' Rights Act 2025 - information for tenants

Reforms to the private rented sector in England are bringing in new rights for tenants.

The main changes that will occur from 1 May 2026 are:

Section 21 'no fault' evictions will be abolished
your landlord will need a legal reason to evict you with a Section 8 notice
your landlord can only ask for one month's rent in advance
your landlord can only put the rent up once a year and they must give at least two months' notice
you will have a periodic tenancy which makes it easier to leave by giving notice
you will need to give at least two months' notice to end a periodic assured tenancy
you will have the right to ask your landlord for permission to keep a pet and your landlord will only be able to say no if they have a good reason

Find out what the new law means for private renters in England.