Your renting rights
If you rent from a private landlord, you've got a whole load of housing rights to back you up. Whether you've got issues with your landlord, housemate or uninvited rodent friends, national housing charity Shelter lays down the law.
Know your rights
If your tenancy agreement is an “assured shorthold” (and most peoples’ are) you've got the right to live in your accommodation without being disturbed.
This means, despite what the minority of dodgy landlords who make impromptu visits might say, your landlord and his mate aren’t entitled to pop-in at random times of the day or night and if they do, they could be guilty of harassment.
Also, even if you have done something to upset your landlord, like forgetting to pay your rent or throwing the mother of all parties, there is still a legal framework they're obliged to follow by law - which means they have to give you written notice if they want you to leave.
Plus, the introduction of the Government’s Tenancy Deposit Scheme has made life more secure for renters. The scheme, which came into effect in April 2007, requires landlords to protect tenants’ deposits in one of three independent government-approved schemes.
The fact that your cash is held independently will hopefully mean the end of bitter end of term battles between students and their landlords.
Free online advice
Whatever your housing issue, there is help and support available. You could contact your student union’s welfare office, or get in touch with Shelter, which runs an online housing advice service dedicated to young people and students.
Go to www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights to find practical guidance on all sorts of housing problems or call Shelter’s free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444.
Top tips
DO:
- Make sure you protect your rent deposit when the time comes to sort out your house for next year. Visit www.shelter.org.uk or www.communities.gov.uk for more information.
- Take photos of your house when you move in, especially if it’s in a huge mess. You might need them as evidence when you move out.
- Visit your student housing adviser. They’ll be able to answer all your questions, and recommend the best places to look for your dream student digs.
DON'T:
- Get bullied by your landlord. Check out what your rights are, and stand your ground.
- Go through a shonky letting agent – stick with the ones recommended by your student housing centre.
- Put all the bills in one person’s name. It’s not fair for someone to be massively out of pocket or have to hassle everyone else for all the utilities.
Last updated on: 13 November 2008