{"id":107,"date":"2018-06-08T08:21:38","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T08:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idealflatmate.co.uk\/flatmate-HQ\/?p=107"},"modified":"2018-10-10T10:52:55","modified_gmt":"2018-10-10T10:52:55","slug":"your-rights-as-a-renter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/flatmate-HQ\/your-rights-as-a-renter\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Rights As a Renter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">The London housing situation can be challenging to navigate<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">. To help you, we have put together this short guide outlining all of your rights as a renter.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your landlord&#8217;s legal obligations or duties can vary depending on your tenancy type, but certain general rules are always the same. Besides, most private tenants will be <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">assured\u00a0shorthold tenants<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">: all tenancies that started from 28 February 1997\u00a0will automatically be assured shorthold tenancies \u2013 <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">ASTs<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> \u2013 even if there is no written tenancy agreement. (If you\u2019re unsure, check out Shelter for more information on the different\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/get_advice\/private_renting\/private_renting_agreements\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">types of private tenancies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0and a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/get_advice\/downloads_and_tools\/tenancy_checker\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">tenancy checker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0to determine yours).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Sections in this article:<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your basic rights<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your landlord\u2019s health, safety and repair obligations<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your duties in return<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Rent <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">increases<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Deposits<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Evictions<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">1. Your basic rights<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">In plain and simple terms, as a renter, you have the right to:<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Inhabit a safe property in a fit state of repair<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Know who your landlord is<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Dispute excessively high rent charges<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Live undisturbed in the property<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Be protected from unjust eviction or unfair fees<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Acquire a written agreement if it\u2019s a fixed-term tenancy of more than three years<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Receive three essential documents: an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/buy-sell-your-home\/energy-performance-certificates\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Energy Performance Certificate<\/span><\/b> <b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">(EPC)<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> for the property, outlining the property\u2019s energy use and typical energy costs; a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/repairs\/gas_safety_in_rented_homes\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>gas safety certificate<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0(if your home has gas appliances); the latest version of the government guide, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/how-to-rent\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>How to Rent<\/b><\/span><\/a><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">. <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your landlord must give you these.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Retrieve your deposit when the tenancy ends, and \u2013 if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007 \u2013 <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">have your deposit protected by a Government-authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme (TDPs). <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Link here to the IF article on deposits to be completed ASAP.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">These rights apply regardless of whether or not there is a <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">written tenancy agreement<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">, though having one of these is advised. A tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord outlining details like how much rent is to be paid and when, the start and end dates of the tenancy, tenant\/landlord obligations etc. Citizens Advice offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/housing\/renting-a-home\/tenancy-agreements\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">a guide to tenancy agreements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">, and Gov.uk can assist you in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">seeking legal advice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> before you sign anything you\u2019re unsure of.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If you\u2019re uncertain of you who your landlord is, contact the person or company you pay your rent to. Your landlord can be fined if they fail to provide you with this information <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">within 21 days<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">2. Health, safety and repair obligations<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">One of the benefits of renting is that when the boiler packs up, you don\u2019t have to sell your mother to replace it. As a renter, your landlord must ensure that any <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">water, gas and <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">electricity<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> equipment<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> is working smoothly and safely at all times (read more about specific safety standards <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/repairs\/electrical_safety_in_rented_homes\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">); they are also responsible for repairs to the <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">exterior and structure of a property<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">, including any problems with the roof, chimneys, walls, guttering and drains. All <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">furniture <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">they provide must also meet safety standards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Landlords must have a<\/span><b> <\/b><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/repairs\/gas_safety_in_rented_homes\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>gas safety check<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> carried out annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and it is imperative that a <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">smoke alarm<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> is installed on each floor of your home along with <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">carbon monoxide detectors<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> in any room with a coal fire or wood-burning stove.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">A full low-down on a landlord\u2019s safety responsibilities can be found <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/private-renting\/your-landlords-safety-responsibilities\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>here<\/b><\/span><\/a><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">; repair obligations <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/private-renting\/repairs\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>here<\/b><\/span><\/a><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">. <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Said low-downs include information on what to do if you feel your landlord is not complying with regulations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">It is your duty to allow your landlord access to the property for safety inspection and the carrying out of repairs; they must give you at least 24 hours notice and \u2013unless it\u2019s an emergency \u2013 come at a reasonable time.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If your assured shorthold tenancy started or was renewed after 1 October 2015, you have some\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/repairs\/revenge_eviction_if_you_ask_for_repairs\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>legal protection against revenge eviction<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0if you complain about repairs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If at least three people live in a property and they share the facilities, the property is deemed an <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">HMO<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">. This means the landlord will have extra legal responsibilities in order to reduce the risk of fire and ensure that people living in shared houses or flats have adequate facilities between them.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/private-renting\/houses-in-multiple-occupation\" rel=\"nofollow\">Shelter<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> can tell you more about HMOs and a landlord\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">extra legal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> responsibilities in such a case. If you feel there are hazards in your HMO, contact your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-local-council\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">local council<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0to report it; they are responsible for enforcing standards, and can take action to resolve the issue.<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">3. Your duties in return<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">It takes two to tango, my friend, and it\u2019s is your responsibility to:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Look after the place, and do everything you can to keep the facilities in working order<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Fix or cover the cost of any damage you \u2013 or anyone you had round \u2013 might\u2019ve caused<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li5\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Continue to pay your rent on time, regardless of any repairs that might need to be done, as well as any other charges you\u2019re responsible for (bills, Council Tax etc.)<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If you don\u2019t meet your responsibilities, you\u2019re landlord is within their rights to take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/private-renting-evictions\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">legal action to evict you<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">4. Rent increases and disputes<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Terms of rent review should be set out in your tenancy agreement, but generally, the following is true: for periodic tenancies \u2013 i.e. tenancies rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month contract \u2013 it\u2019s unlikely that a landlord will be able to increase your rent more than once a year without your consent. When they do, you must be given at least one month\u2019s notice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">In the case of a fixed-term tenancy \u2013 i.e. one that runs for a set period \u2013 the rent can only ever be increased within that set period if the tenant gives their approval. Without it, the landlord must wait until the fixed term ends before they can review the rent.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">In any case, your landlord must always get your permission if they are to increase the rent by more than previously agreed. If you do agree to a rent increase, ensure you get a written record of it signed by both parties.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">And while we\u2019re on the topic of rent: the idea of \u2018fair, realistically-priced rent\u2019 in London may fast be becoming a myth, but do make sure the mountains of cash you\u2019re handing over are at least similar, size-wise, to the mountains of cash other renters are handing over for comparable properties in the area. Research average rent prices around you and see our guide to <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">negotiating your rent<b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">if you think you\u2019re being given a bad deal.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">5. Deposits<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">In case you damage the property, or leave before your lease is up and fail to pay what you owe, most landlords will require that you pay a tenancy deposit before you move in.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If you have an assured shorthold tenancy (which again, most people do), then as a matter of law your deposit must be protected in a government-registered tenancy deposit protection scheme.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Once you\u2019ve handed over your deposit, your landlord has <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">30 days<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> to ensure it is protected and to provide you with information about which scheme they\u2019ve used. To read more about individual scheme providers, and any exceptions to this law (if you are a lodger, for example, your landlord isn\u2019t obliged), head to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/tenancy_deposits\/tenancy_deposit_protection_rules\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">Shelter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> website.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If you\u2019re unsure, simply ask your landlord if they\u2019ve protected your deposit, and with which scheme. If a letting agent is dealing with matters of deposits on your landlord\u2019s behalf, ask them.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">For more information on tenancy deposits, and for how to get yours back when you think you\u2019re entitled to it, check out Ideal Flatmate\u2019s <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">tenancy deposit guide<\/span><\/b><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">.<\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">6. Evictions<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If your landlord wants to evict you, there is a strict process they are obliged to follow. Rules vary depending on the type of tenancy you hold (again, head to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/get_advice\/downloads_and_tools\/tenancy_checker\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">Shelter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> to determine which kind you have), but if the right rules aren\u2019t followed, then your landlord could be guilty of illegal eviction or harassment.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Assured Shorthold Tenancies (rolling contract)<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If your tenancy is rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month contract, your landlord doesn\u2019t necessarily need a reason to evict you. But they will need to give you <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u2018notice to quit\u2019; <\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">the terms and ways of doing this will depend on the details of your tenancy agreement. Generally, it will need to be a written notice at least two months in advance of the date they want you to leave.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">For your landlord to provide valid \u2018notice to quit\u2019, you have to have been in the property for at least six months and your deposit needs to have been protected according to the rules laid out above.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">For tenancies that started after 30<\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">th<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> September 2015, your landlord can\u2019t evict you if a complaint you\u2019ve made to the council about the property\u2019s conditions has caused the council to serve a notice to the landlord.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Further, if your tenancy started after the above date, your landlord can\u2019t evict you if they never gave you the three documents we mentioned in the first part of this article: an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/buy-sell-your-home\/energy-performance-certificates\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Energy Performance Certificate<\/span><\/b> <b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">(EPC)<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">, a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/repairs\/gas_safety_in_rented_homes\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>gas safety certificate<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> and the latest version of the government guide, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/how-to-rent\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\"><b>How to Rent<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">If they haven\u2019t protected your deposit and\/or they did not provide you with these three documents, but they want to evict you, they have to use the form <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/notice-seeking-possession-of-a-property-let-on-an-assured-shorthold-tenancy\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u2018Notice seeking possession of a property let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (Form 6a)\u2019<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><b><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Assured Shorthold Tenancies (fixed-term contracts)<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Your landlord can only ask you to leave within your fixed-term period if they have a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/gaining-possession-of-a-privately-rented-property-let-on-an-assured-shorthold-tenancy\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">reason or \u2018grounds\u2019 for wanting possession<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0that\u2019s in the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/1988\/50\/contents\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">Housing Act 1988.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0This applies, for example, if you\u2019re falling behind on your rent payments, if your landlord needs to move back into the place or you\u2019ve been conducting illegal activity from the property.<\/span><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">The notice they\u2019re obliged to give you depends on the grounds on which they want to evict you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">For information on eviction procedures with other types of tenancy (for example, if your tenancy started before 27 February 1997, you might have an <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">assured<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> or <\/span><b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">a regulated<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> tenancy), Shelter can help you. Find more information about assured tenancies <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/private_renting\/assured_tenancies\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">; regulated tenancies <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/private_renting\/regulated_tenancies\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: Poppins\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px\">Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/private-renting-evictions\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px\">Gov.uk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px\"> for more information on what happens if you fail to vacate the property after being provided with valid \u2018notice to quit\u2019 by your landlord.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealflatmate.co.uk\/search?utm_campaign=blog-flatmate&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=idf-website\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1093\" src=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter.jpg 1200w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-300x58.jpg 300w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-768x148.jpg 768w, \/flatmate-HQ\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/10\/blog-flathunter-1024x198.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The London housing situation can be challenging to navigate. To help you, we have put together this short guide outlining all of your rights as a renter.\u00a0\u00a0 Your landlord&#8217;s legal obligations or duties can vary depending on your tenancy type, but certain general rules are always the same. Besides, most private tenants will be assured\u00a0shorthold &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"\/flatmate-HQ\/your-rights-as-a-renter\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Your Rights As a Renter&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[25],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107"}],"collection":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=107"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1196,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107\/revisions\/1196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"\/flatmate-HQ\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}