Tenant guide

Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords in the UK.

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ENGLAND

Before You Rent                                

  • Check Right to Rent: Landlords must verify tenants’ legal status before renting.
  • Understand Your Tenancy Agreement: Assured Short hold Tenancies (AST) are the standard contract.
  • Deposit Protection: Landlords must register deposits in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, TDS) within 30 days.  
  • Check Property Standards: Ensure the home meets Housing Health  and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) requirements.

During Your Tenancy

  • Pay Rent on Time: Late payments can lead to eviction under Section 8.
  • Report Repairs: Landlords must address serious hazards and keep the property safe.
  • Access Rights: Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering.
  • Eviction Protections: Section21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have been abolished; landlords need a legal reason to evict.

Ending Your Tenancy

  • Notice Periods: Typically, one to two months’ notice required.
  • Deposit Return: Must be returned within 10 days unless deductions apply.
  • Dispute Resolution: Tenants can challenge unfair deductions via the deposit scheme.

SCOTLAND

Before You Rent

  • Private Residential Tenancy (PRT): Replaces previous tenancy types with open-ended agreements.
  • Landlord Registration: Mandatory registration with the local council.
  • Deposit Protection: Must be held in an approved  scheme.
  • Repairing Standard: Landlords must ensure properties are safe and habitable.

During Your Tenancy

  • Rent Controls: Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases.
  • Maintenance & Repairs: Landlords must address repair requests in a timely manner.
  • Access Rights: Minimum 48 hours’ notice required before visits.
  • Eviction Rules: Landlords must have legal grounds and follow strict notice periods.

Ending Your Tenancy

  • Tenant Notice Period: At least 28 days’ notice required.
  • Deposit Return: Must be returned through a tenancy deposit scheme.
  • Legal Support: Tenants can challenge disputes through the First-tier Tribunal.

WALES

Before You Rent

  • Standard Occupation Contract: Replaces all previous tenancy types under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2022.
  • Landlord Registration: All landlords must be registered with Rent Smart Wales.
  • Deposit Protection: Required under a government-approved scheme.
  • Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH): Landlords must ensure the property meets minimum safety standards.

During Your Tenancy

  • Rent Payments: Must be made as agreed in the contract to avoid penalties.
  • Property Maintenance: Landlords must make necessary repairs.
  • Access Rights: 24 hours’ notice is required for visits, except in emergencies.
  • Eviction Rules: Minimum six-month notice period required for ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Ending Your Tenancy

  • Notice Periods: Tenants must give proper notice based on the agreement.
  • Deposit Refunds: Landlords must return deposits unless legitimate deductions apply.
  • Legal Protections: Unfair evictions can be challenged via Rent Smart Wales.

NORTHEN IRELAND

Before You Rent

  • Tenancy Agreements: No legal requirement, but written contracts are strongly recommended.
  • Landlord Registration: Required under the Landlord Registration Scheme.
  • Deposit Protection: Must be placed in an approved scheme within 14 days.
  • Housing Standards: Properties must meet basic habitability requirements.

During Your Tenancy

  • Rent Payments: Tenants must pay on time to avoid penalties.
  • Repairs & Maintenance: Landlords are responsible for keeping the property in good condition.
  • Landlord Access: 24 hours’ notice is required before visits.
  • Eviction Protections: Proper legal processes must be followed; tenants must be given appropriate notice.

Ending Your Tenancy

  • Notice Periods: Vary depending on the length of tenancy.
  • Deposit Returns: Disputes can be resolved through the deposit protection scheme.
  • Legal Protections: Tenants can challenge unlawful eviction in court.