Housing conditions - what to check before renting privately

Housing standards and your rights as a tenant

Housing conditions and inspections

We can assess your home to check if poor housing conditions are affecting your health, safety or wellbeing.

We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess 29 potential hazards in the home. These include:

• damp and mould
• fire risks
• risk of falls
• excess cold

If we find serious hazards, we can take action to ensure your landlord makes the property safe. We aim to resolve issues informally, but we will take legal action if necessary.

Your rights as a tenant

Before your tenancy starts

Most private tenancies are assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). These usually:

• last for a minimum of 6 months
• give you the right to live in the property without eviction unless you breach the agreement
• require landlords to give 24 hours’ notice before entering the property

When a fixed-term tenancy ends, it usually becomes a monthly rolling (periodic) tenancy. You can sign a new fixed-term agreement, but some landlords may charge a fee. Periodic tenancies can be ended at 2 month's notice

Before signing a tenancy agreement:

• read it carefully and don’t feel pressured to sign
• check if the landlord is sub-letting (they may not have permission)
• if renting through an agent, ensure they are part of a government-approved redress scheme
• complete a full inventory if the property is furnished

When you move in

Fire and carbon monoxide safety

• there must be a working smoke alarm on every floor
• since 1 October 2022, landlords have ahd to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler or fire
• landlords must respond to faulty alarms and replace them if needed. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £5,000

For more information visit our Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms information page

Documents your landlord must provide

Your landlord must give you the following:

• how to rent guide (printed or emailed PDF)
  Download the guide

• deposit protection information. Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. You must receive written confirmation. Keep this information safe as you will need it later

• Gas Safety Certificate. Required annually for all gas appliances. You must be given a copy

• Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR). Shows the condition of the property’s electrical systems. Landlords must fix any serious issues. Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to £30,000. The government has produced guidance for tenants about the electrical safety standards

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Required for most properties. Homes rented after 1 April 2018 must have an EPC rating of E or above (unless exempt)

Important: your landlord cannot issue a section 21 (no-fault) eviction notice if they haven’t provided these documents.

Reporting poor housing conditions

Private tenants

Before contacting us, report the issue to your landlord or letting agent in writing and keep a copy.

If the issue isn’t resolved, you can contact our Private Sector Housing Team.

Council tenants

Report a council house repair

Housing association tenants (registered providers)

Report the issue to your housing association first. If unresolved:

• use their formal complaints process (usually two stages)
• if still unresolved, contact the Housing Ombudsman