Legal advice for tenants
It's important you know your legal rights as a tenant, and that you can contact us for help if you encounter any problems.
Eviction notices
If you privately rent and your landlord has served you with a notice, please contact us to arrange an appointment to see if we can help.
In some cases, landlords serve notices which are invalid. This means that you may not need to leave the property by the date they have asked. Even if you feel the notice is unfair, it is important not to ignore letters from your landlord. The later you leave it, the less likely it is that we can help you.
Even if the landlord has served you with a valid notice, you do not need to leave the property by the date they have said on the notice. You have a right to stay in the property until the courts issue a warrant of eviction, although this may result in you incurring court costs.
Landlords should allow you quiet enjoyment of the property. If you feel your landlord is attempting to force you out of the property through harassment, threatening behaviour or changing the locks then please contact us.
If your landlord tries to forcibly remove you without a warrant you should call the police immediately.
Disputes
Tenants involved in a dispute with their landlord or housing association can seek help and advice from us by using the contact number at the bottom of this page.
Repairs
The rent the landlord charges can include a sum to cover the cost of repairs – but the landlord cannot pass this cost on to you in the form of a separate service charge.
The landlord is not responsible for repairing damage you have caused but if there are repairs that need to be done, the landlord has a responsibility to repair the fault.
If the landlord refuses to do repairs, or has not carried out the work despite several requests:
- Council tenants, please complete a housing repairs form (under 'council housing') on My Account.
- Private tenants, please call environmental health on 0116 454 1001.
Repairing obligations
Landlords are responsible for repairs to the exterior and structure of a property including problems with the roof, chimneys, walls, guttering and drains.
Landlords must make sure the equipment for supplying water, gas and electricity is kept in safe working order.
If your landlord needs access to the property to inspect it and do repairs, they should give reasonable notice and arrange a suitable time to visit (unless there's an emergency). Your tenancy agreement may say how much notice they should give.
If your assured short-hold tenancy started or was renewed on or after 1 October 2015, you have some legal protection against revenge eviction if you complain about repairs.
If the landlord refuses to do repairs, or has not carried out the work despite several requests:
- Council tenants, please complete a housing repairs form (under 'council housing') on My Account.
- Private tenants, please call environmental health on 0116 454 1001.
Health and safety obligations
Landlords must:
- have a gas safety check done every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- make sure any furniture they provide meets safety standards
- ensure electrical equipment they provide meets safety standards.
Your landlord must install a smoke alarm on each floor of your home and carbon monoxide detectors in any room with a coal fire or wood- burning stove. This doesn’t apply if you have a resident landlord.
Tenancy deposits protections
Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured short-hold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007. In England and Wales your deposit can be registered with:
- Deposit Protection Service
- MyDeposits- including deposits that were held by Capita
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
For more information on tenancy deposits go to GOV.UK.
If you require further information, please use the number at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
Duty to allow you to enjoy your home
Landlords must let you live in your home without unnecessary interference.
Your landlord should not let themselves into your home without your permission.
Your landlord (or anyone employed by them) should not harass you in your home or make it difficult for you to stay there.
If you require further information, please use the number at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
Citizens Advice LeicesterShire - general advice service
Wherever you live in Leicester, please ring our general advice service, Monday to Friday between 9am - 4pm on 0808 278 7970.
Money advice
For free impartial advice call: 0800 138 7777.
Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project
13 Welford Road
Leicester
LE2 7AD
Tel: (0116) 254 6064
Contact us
Ring us on: 0116 454 1008
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