We have legal powers to make sure your living accommodation is up to standard. This page contains information on:

  • Standard of accommodation tenants can expect from a private landlord
  • What can be done if tenants don't get what they are entitled to
  • The responsibilities of tenants to their landlords.

Accommodation standards

The law says all homes must be fit to live in and maintained in a reasonable state of repair.

If any of these problems occur, it is likely your home doesn't come up to this standard:

  • Leaking roofs or gutters
  • Rotten doors or window frames
  • Dampness
  • Dangerous or broken electrical wiring
  • Dangerous or broken gas appliances
  • No inside bathroom/toilet, kitchen sink, wash hand basin
  • No hot and cold running water
  • General disrepair.

In shared accommodation there are additional standards, which mean tenants should have:

  • Access to cooking facilities
  • Access to a bathroom and separate toilet
  • The property should have a satisfactory means of escape from fire
  • The house itself should be properly managed.

What can be done if you don't get what you're entitled to?

  • We'll check your accommodation
  • We'll serve a legal notice on the owner requiring them to carry out repairs within a fixed time
  • We'll check to make sure all the repairs are carried out
  • And we can do the works and charge the landlord if the repairs aren't made in good time.

The responsibilities of tenants to their landlords

  • Pay the rent on time
  • Do not cause damage to the property
  • Do not interfere with the peaceful occupation of other tenants or neighbours
  • Allow the landlord/agent access at reasonable times (with your permission)
  • Do not sublet or take in lodgers if you're not allowed to
  • If you wish to leave, to give written notice as per your contract to your landlord.

Last updated: Tue 14 November, 2023 @ 13:50