Get help if you're renting privately. Learn about your rights, how to request repairs, deal with rent increases and check if your landlord is licensed.
Your rights and responsibilities
As a private tenant, you have rights and responsibilities when you rent from a private landlord. See:
- GOV.UK – your rights and responsibilities
- GOV.UK – the rules on tenancy deposits and protection schemes
Always research the type of tenancy you are agreeing to before signing any contracts with a landlord.
See the housing charity Shelter – what to look for in your tenancy agreement.
Repairs and maintenance
You should contact your landlord If you need a repair or have a problem with your home.
Your landlord must fix most repair problems in your home and make sure it’s in good condition.
Always make your landlord aware as soon as possible. You should put any complaints in writing.
See:
You can report a rental property to us. We have legal powers to make sure they sort the problem.
Examples include:
- ensuring your home meets the minimum required standards
- disrepair in your home
- drainage and sewerage defects
- pest control
- disconnection of gas or electricity by your landlord
- fire, gas, and electrical safety
Before we can help with a repair or hazard, you need to contact your landlord first.
If your landlord does not deal with the issue after you have contacted them, you can report it to us.
What happens next
Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss the issue.
Depending on the type of issue, we can contact your landlord to tell them your concerns and ask them to confirm what action they are going to take to deal with the issue.
If your landlord agrees to make improvements, we may inspect your property once they are complete.
If your landlord does not make improvements, we will inspect your property and decide what action to take.
Rent increase
Your landlord can only increase your rent once a year. They must give you a Section 13 notice and at least 2 months' notice before the increase.
See Citizen’s Advice – dealing with a rent increase
Check if your landlord has a property licence
Some privately rented homes in Harlow need a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence.
We publish a register of HMOs we have licenced. You can check if the property you’re living in has been licensed.
You can report your property if you think it isn't licensed or if it doesn't comply with the licensing conditions.
Harassment from your landlord
Harassment can be anything a landlord does that makes you feel unsafe in your home or forces you to leave. It’s a crime for your landlord to harass you.
Harassment can include:
- stopping services like electricity
- withholding keys
- refusing to carry out repairs
- opening your post or throwing out your belongings
- threats and physical violence
If you experience physical violence, contact the police immediately.
Check out the housing charity Shelter for advice on dealing with landlord harassment
Evictions
If your landlord has served you with a notice to leave the property, it must follow certain rules. Find out the eviction rules landlords must follow.
Contact information
Harlow Council
Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
College Square
Harlow CM20 1WG