If you’re new to renting or are unsure of your rights, then it’s worth finding out how the law protects you – here’s what you should know.

Experiences as a tenant can vary, and when moving into a new property it’s worth knowing what you should expect from your landlord in terms of access, repairs, rent and your rights. It’s also important to remember that renting is a two-way street, and, as a tenant, you also have certain responsibilities.

What are my rights as a tenant?

In the UK, tenants enjoy a number of protections when renting. All houses must meet the government’s safety standards, so make sure you’ve seen the property’s Energy Performance Certificate and arrange for any repairs to the exterior or structure to be carried out (and paid for) by your landlord. You also have the right to your privacy – your landlord shouldn’t be able to let themselves in and out of your home without giving notice, and, when they do, it should only be to carry out pre-arranged inspections or repairs.

Your deposit should be returned at the end of your lease – and in some cases protected for the duration of your time in the property – but whether or not you receive it back in full depends on how well you’ve cared for your home. Perhaps most important of all, you have the right to know who your landlord is – this information should be provided to you within 21 days of your tenancy start date.

What to expect when privately renting

If you’re about to start privately renting for the first time, there are certain things you should be aware of. As well as rent, there are several other monthly expenses that you’ll need to budget for, such as council tax, household bills (gas, electricity, TV licence, internet and water) and your initial deposit. In some cases, there’ll also be tenancy or estate agency fees to pay. 

In most cases you will be given an inventory by your agent or landlord to check before you move into your new home. This is not a legal requirement, but it is a useful record of the condition of the property and any furnishings, and will help settle any disputes over damages. Check the inventory carefully to make sure all items listed are in the property and in the condition described. If you have any concerns, raise them with your landlord or letting agent before you move in. Taking photos of any damaged items is also a good idea. 

Remember that wear and tear to the property is normal, so if you have any problems after you move in you should go to your landlord as soon as possible – depending on what needs fixing, they may be obliged to make the repairs themselves. Any damage caused to the property, however, is your responsibility.

Is my previous landlord obligated to forward my mail?

It’s definitely advisable to give your former landlord a forwarding address, but this is by no means sufficient to continue receiving your mail. Your former landlord is not under any legal obligation to go to any effort to forward your mail. Furthermore, generally speaking, it will not actually be your former landlord that receives your mail, but rather the tenants that moved in after you vacated.

Luckily, you can arrange for a postal redirection service with Royal Mail to make sure you continue receiving your mail in the weeks and months after your move. This can give you some peace of mind, as you know you’re still going to receive any important mail, such as letters from your bank, utility companies, employer and insurance companies.  Your post can be redirected to you for three, six or 12 months, so you’ll have plenty of time to update your new details everywhere relevant. 

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?

As a tenant, you are obliged to meet your end of the agreement just as much as your landlord. This means making the property your primary residence and not leaving it vacant for long periods of time – unless you’ve informed your landlord of your absence and they’ve given you permission to leave it unattended.

You should always pay your rent in full and on time, and take care of all household bills as well as service charges (if applicable). It is also up to you to keep the property in good condition, repairing anything you’ve broken or damaged, disposing of rubbish and recycling properly, heating and ventilating the property in accordance with your tenancy agreement, and carrying out minor maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs and regularly checking alarms. When you have friends or family round, make sure they treat the property with the same respect as you, and that together you don’t make too much noise and disturb the neighbours.