Accessibility Statement
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Housing

Private rented property

A basic Private Rented Sector definition is: a property owned by a landlord and leased to a tenant. As a tenant you would either deal directly with an individual landlord, or alternatively with a management company or estate agency caring for the property on behalf of the landlord.

Your rights and responsibilities

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

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 fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years

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, for example 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, for example Council Tax or utility bills
  • repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends
  • only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement or your landlord allows it

Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you do not meet your responsibilities.

 

If you have a tenancy agreement, it should be fair and comply with the law.

If you do not know who your landlord is, write to the person or company you pay rent to. Your landlord can be fined if they do not give you this information within 21 days.

 

When you start a new tenancy

When you start a new assured or short assured tenancy, your landlord must give you:

If your landlord lives outside the UK

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if your landlord lives outside the UK and you pay £100 or more a week in rent directly to them.

You may have to deduct tax from your rent under HMRC’s ‘non-resident landlord scheme’.

Leeds City Council can support you if you have landlord problems, they can help get repairs made and ensure your home is safe.  They also provide free advice about evictions and harassment.  For more information visit Help for Private Tenants

If you are a landlord or want to become a landlord you will find information and guidance including licensing and help to rent out your property on Leeds City Councils website. 

View information for landlords at leeds.gov.uk

Last updated: 6/10/2024