Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

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

Your rights

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 
• live in the property undisturbed
• see an Energy Performance Certificate and valid Gas Certificate for the property
• have a written tenancy agreement 

When you start a new tenancy

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

• a copy of the How to rent guide if you live in England
• a tenant information pack if you live in Scotland

Your responsibilities

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 the property if the tenancy agreement or your landlord allows it

Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you don’t meet your responsibilities.