Tenant rights and protections
Key Tenant Rights and Protections
As a tenant, you have the right to live undisturbed in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair. You should also know who your landlord is, and be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent.
Landlords and agents must:
- ensure properties meet health and safety standards, including fixing damp, mould, and providing working heating/plumbing.
- give at least 24 hours’ notice of any visits for activities such as repairs (unless it is an emergency)
- protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme
- provide a written statement of the key tenancy terms before the tenancy begins. (from 1 May 2026)
Landlords and agents cannot:
- evict you without following the proper legal process and without a good reason based on evidence (from 1 May 2026)
- increase rent more than once per year, and they must use a proper legal notice to do so (from 1 May 2026)
- ask for more than the advertised rent at the start of a tenancy (from 1 May 2026)
- refuse to rent a property or room to tenants simply because they have children or are receiving benefits (from 1 May 2026)
- unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to have a pet. (from 1 May 2026)
Further information is available from GOV.UK