Renting privately

Landlord rights and duties

A landlord has a duty to

  • provide their name and address to the tenant
  • fix the terms of the tenancy before it begins
  • give appropriate notice to leave and, if necessary, a notice to obtain a court order  
  • maintain the property to a reasonable standard and carry out repairs
  • not to harass or interfere with the 'quiet enjoyment' of the tenant 
  • not to discriminate against the tenant
  • keep the tenant's personal information confidential
  • promptly negotiate the return of the tenant's deposit at the end of the tenancy
  • supply the tenant with a copy of the gas safety certificate 

A landlord has a right to

  • charge a reasonable market rent
  • receive the rent when it is due
  • be informed of any disrepair
  • inspect the property having given reasonable notice to the tenant
  • go to court for rent arrears and damages
  • have Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance paid direct if the tenant is more than 8 weeks in arrears.