1. What are my rights as a tenant?
As a tenant, you have several important rights under both English and Welsh law. You have the right to live in a property that’s safe, in good repair, and free from health hazards. You also have the right to privacy, meaning your landlord can only enter the property with your consent or with proper notice.

In Wales, tenants also have the right to request a written tenancy agreement and have stronger protections against eviction compared to England.

2. What should my landlord provide me with?

• Your landlord must provide you with certain essentials:
• A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) showing the property’s energy efficiency rating.
• A gas safety certificate (if the property has gas appliances).
• A copy of the “How to Rent” guide (in England) or “Renting Homes (Wales) Act” (in Wales).
• A deposit protection scheme for any security deposit you pay (in England and Wales).

In Wales, your landlord also needs to give you clear information about the terms of your tenancy, the landlords/managing agents address, and how to end the agreement.

3. Can my landlord raise the rent?
In both England and Wales, in line with current legislation, your landlord can only increase the rent if it’s stated in your tenancy agreement or through a formal process. In England, this might involve a notice of rent increase, while in Wales, rent increases must follow a formal procedure under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, including notice periods and limits on frequency.

For periodic tenancies, in England, the landlord must give at least one month’s notice. In Wales, it’s a minimum of two months.

4. How do I report maintenance issues?

• Fully Managed: Please contact us on contact information provided.
• Let Only: Please contact your landlord using the contact information provided.

It’s your landlord’s responsibility to keep the property in good repair, so if you have maintenance issues (like broken appliances, leaking pipes, or heating problems), contact them in writing.

Make sure you report any urgent issues as soon as possible (like plumbing or electrical problems) to prevent further damage. If your landlord doesn’t respond or refuses to fix the issue, you may have the right to contact your local council for assistance.

5. Can my landlord evict me?
In England and Wales, your landlord can’t just evict you without following the correct legal process. They must give you notice in writing and, in some cases, apply to the court for a possession order.

If you’re in England, landlords often use a Section 21 or Section 8 notice to start eviction proceedings, depending on the situation. In Wales, landlords must follow procedures under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act.

However, in both countries, your landlord cannot evict you for things like complaining about the property or asserting your legal rights.

6. What’s the difference between a fixed-term tenancy and a periodic tenancy?
A fixed-term tenancy lasts for a set period (e.g., 12 months). During this time, both you and your landlord are bound to the agreement, and neither can typically end the tenancy early unless there’s a valid reason.
A periodic tenancy rolls over from month to month (or week to week), usually after the fixed term ends. You or your landlord can usually end it by giving the required notice, which is at least one month in England and two months in Wales.

7. What happens if I need to break my tenancy early?
If you want to end your tenancy before the fixed term is up, you’ll need to check your tenancy agreement. In many cases, landlords will allow this, but there might be penalties or conditions (like paying the rent for the remaining months or finding a replacement tenant).

In Wales, under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, there’s more flexibility, and tenants might be able to leave with shorter notice periods depending on the circumstances.

8. What is a tenant deposit and when will I get it back?
Your landlord might ask for a security deposit before you move in. This is usually held in a deposit protection scheme, which ensures it’s returned to you if the property is in good condition when you leave, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

In England and Wales, the landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. If you have a dispute, these schemes offer free services to help resolve it.

9. What is the ‘Renting Homes (Wales) Act’ and how does it affect me?
If you’re renting in Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (which came into effect in December 2022) simplifies tenancy laws. It introduces a new type of agreement called the “occupation contract,” which offers clearer rights and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants.

For example, it makes it easier for tenants to understand their rights and get repairs done. It also includes stronger eviction protections and better notice periods for ending the tenancy.

10. How do I get my bond back when I leave?
When you end your tenancy, your landlord should check the property, and if it’s in good condition (normal wear and tear excluded), they should return your bond. If there are any disagreements about deductions, you can challenge them through the relevant deposit protection scheme.

Make sure to give the property a good clean and fix any small issues (like replacing lightbulbs or repairing small holes in the wall) to avoid unnecessary deductions.

11. The Renters Reform Bill – What Does It Mean for Tenants?
The Renters Reform Bill aims to make renting fairer and more secure for tenants. Here are the key changes you need to know:

• No more “No-Fault” Evictions: The Bill will ban Section 21 evictions, meaning landlords can’t evict tenants without a valid reason.
• Clearer Eviction Process: Evictions will still be possible for reasons like unpaid rent, but the process will be more transparent.
• Rent Increase Protections: Rent can only be increased once a year, with proper notice and clear justifications.
• National Landlord Register: A new register will ensure landlords are held accountable for maintaining safe, habitable properties.
• Rental Ombudsman: A new service to help tenants resolve disputes with landlords without going to court.
• Minimum Property Standards: Landlords must ensure their properties meet safety and habitability standards.
• Long-Term Stability: Tenants will have more security, with clearer rights and the ability to stay in homes longer.
• Simplified Tenancy Agreements: Contracts will be standardised, making your rights easier to understand.

These changes will help improve your rights and protection as a tenant. We’ll keep you updated as the law progresses! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.