Your rights depend mostly on one question: does your landlord live in the same home as you?
Tenancy or licence
- Your landlord doesn't live there: you'll usually have a tenancy for your room, even if you share the kitchen and bathroom. Under the Renters' Rights Act, private tenancies in England are now periodic (rolling), and landlords can no longer use "no-fault" evictions.
- Your landlord lives there too: you're usually a lodger with a licence. You have fewer rights, and the landlord only needs to give "reasonable notice", often the length of your rent period.
- Supported or transitional housing is often let on a licence, because the stay is meant to be temporary. Ask the provider what kind of agreement you have.
Safety and repairs
- Gas appliances must be checked every year, and you should get a copy of the gas safety certificate.
- The electrics must be checked at least every five years.
- There must be a smoke alarm on every floor, and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a gas, oil or solid-fuel appliance.
- Your landlord must repair the structure, heating, hot water, sinks, baths and toilets. Report repairs in writing and keep copies.
- If repairs aren't done, contact your council's private housing team.
Deposits
If you have a tenancy and pay a deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you must be told which one. Lodgers' deposits don't have to be protected.
What a landlord can't do
- Make you leave without the proper notice and, for tenants, a court order. Changing the locks or removing your belongings is illegal eviction.
- Harass you or enter your room without good reason and notice, except in an emergency.
- Refuse to let to you, in England, just because you receive benefits.
Where to get help
Shelter and Citizens Advice give free housing advice. If you're being forced out, contact your council straight away.