Private Renting - Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Your rights and responsibilities You’ll have certain rights and responsibilities if you’re a tenant in privately rented property.

Your rights As a tenant, you have the right to: live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends ­ and in some circumstances have it protected challenge excessively high charges know who your landlord is live in the property undisturbed see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent have a written agreement if you have a fixed­term tenancy of more than 3 years If you have a tenancy agreement, it should be fair and comply with the law. If you don’t know who your landlord is, write to the person or company you pay rent to. Your landlord can be fined If they don’t give you this information within 21 days. Your responsibilities You must give your landlord access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs. Your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours’ notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it’s an emergency and they need immediate access. You must also: take good care of the property, eg turn off the water at the mains if you’re away in cold weather pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you’re in dispute with your landlord pay other charges as agreed with the landlord, eg Council Tax or utility bills repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends. Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you don’t meet your responsibilities.