Your rights as a tenant
Housing law is complicated, but if you rent a property you have certain rights and responsibilities regarding the tenancy, even if you don’t have a written tenancy agreement. These include the right:
- To a fair rent,
- To be given proper notice to leave the property
- For the house to be in habitable condition
- To know the terms of the tenancy
- To know the name and address of the landlord
- To a decent standard of repair
- To ‘quiet enjoyment’ while staying in the property
There should be a tenancy agreement that sets down the terms and conditions of the tenancy including the rent. If you are having problems with your landlord, ask at the local Council housing office for further information or for contacts for help and advice.
NOTE that it is an offence:
- For accommodation or letting agencies to levy a charge for putting your name on a list
- For landlords in Scotland to levy any form of premium on the rent
The
Better Renting website will give you more detailed information on your rights as a tenant.