Tenant Resources
Know your rights. Get the templates. Take action.
We've collected essential guides and templates to help you navigate the rental market, deal with landlords, and protect your rights.
Mould in your flat: The strict new time limits for landlords
"Awaab's Law" now applies to private renters, not just social housing. This means landlords have strict legal deadlines to fix damp and mould that risks your health. Emergency Hazards: Must be fixed within 24 hours. Investigation: Landlord must investigate a reported issue within 14 days. Repairs: Work must begin within 7 days of the investigation....
Did you break it, or is it just old? (Deposit Disputes Guide)
Landlords cannot use your deposit to upgrade their property. This is illegal and known as "betterment." If you damage a 5-year-old carpet, they cannot charge you for a brand new one. They can only charge for the value of the old carpet at the time you left. Landlords must allow for "fair wear and tear" – the natural deterioration of things over tim...
Can my landlord evict me right now? (2025/2026 Rules)
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 has passed, banning Section 21 "no-fault" evictions. However, the ban does not start until May 1, 2026. Until May 1, 2026: Landlords can still serve Section 21 notices, but they must give you 2 months' notice. From May 1, 2026: Section 21 is banned completely. All tenancies become "periodic" (rolling), and fixed-term te...
The "Holding Deposit".
Landlords and agents may try to keep the "holding deposit" (1 week's rent) if you don't move in. This is often illegal if you are not at fault for not moving in. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, they can ONLY keep it if: You pulled out of the deal. You failed a Right to Rent check. You gave false or misleading information. You failed to sign the con...
How to check if your rent increase is legal (Section 13)
Landlords often say, "I'm raising the rent to match the market." But they can't just pick a number. Under Section 13, a rent increase must reflect the actual market rate for a similar property in your area. If they ask for too much, you can challenge it. Don't just look at asking prices. Look at what properties actually rent for. Go to Rightmove or...
The "Illegal Fees" Checker
Since 2019, most fees charged by landlords and agents are illegal. If you paid any of these, you can get your money back (even if you agreed to it in the contract). Referencing Fees: Charging you to check your credit or call your employer. Admin / Setup Fees: Charging for "preparing the tenancy agreement." Check-out Fees: Charging you to leave or f...
The "Inventory Check-in" Masterlist
Most tenants lose deposit disputes because they can't prove that existing damage was already there. Do not trust the landlord's inventory. It often misses things, and was taken by the estate agent who has an incentive to support the landlord over the tenant. The Inventory is often sparse, poorly taken, and rushed. Therefore, take your own photos be...
The "Pet Request" Professional Proposal
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet. They must give a good reason (e.g., the leasehold forbids it, or the property is too small). To get a "Yes," you need to prove you are a responsible owner. Attach this to your request. It shows you are serious. Pet Name: [Name] Breed/Type: [Breed] Age:...