Know your rights: A guide for tenants
A simplified guide to the protections you’re entitled to in 2025Renting a home should be straightforward, but too often tenants aren’t quite sure where they stand when something goes wrong.
Whether you’re about to sign a new tenancy agreement or have lived in your place for years, knowing your rights can make all the difference.
This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you the essentials: what to expect, what to ask, and what to challenge if things aren’t quite right.
Your deposit: Where it should be, and what to expect
If you’ve paid a deposit, your landlord is legally required to register it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days. This keeps your money safe and ensures it can’t be unfairly withheld at the end of your tenancy.
You should also receive:
- Confirmation of which scheme your deposit is in.
- Prescribed information (a legal document outlining how the deposit is protected).
- A copy of the ‘How to Rent’ guide from GOV.UK.
If you didn’t get these, ask your landlord or letting agent—they are required to provide them.
Repairs and responsibilities: Who does what?
Your landlord is responsible for:
- The structure and exterior of the property.
- Boilers, pipes, radiators, and gas appliances.
- Electrical wiring.
- Bathrooms and kitchens (where fixtures are broken or unsafe).
You, as a tenant, are expected to:
- Keep the property clean and report issues promptly.
- Avoid damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
Tenant tip: Always report repairs in writing, even if you call first. This creates a useful record and helps avoid disputes.
Can I be evicted without reason?
Currently, yes—if your tenancy is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) and you’re out of the fixed term, a landlord can serve a Section 21 notice without stating a reason. But the upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill will change this, ending no-fault evictions and moving to fairer, more transparent processes.
In the meantime, any notice must still give you at least two months’ warning and follow correct procedures.
Quiet enjoyment: It’s a legal right
Your landlord can’t drop in unannounced. Legally, they must give you at least 24 hours’ notice to enter the property, except in an emergency. This right to privacy is known as the right to “quiet enjoyment,” and it’s protected in law.
The best tenancies are built on clarity and respect from both sides. When you understand your rights, you’re not being difficult—you’re being informed. This leads to better communication, quicker resolutions, and a more positive rental experience all round.
Need clarity on your rights? Ask us anything.
This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.
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