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Your tenant rights

Know your rights as a social tenant

Short, clear explainers about your rights as a council or housing association tenant in England and Wales. Written in plain English, not legal jargon. Know what your landlord must do, what you can challenge, and where to get help.

Your rights by topic

Tenant repair rights explained

Your landlord is legally responsible for most structural and exterior repairs, as well as heating, hot water, and gas installations. Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, they must keep these in proper working order once you report a problem.

You should always report repairs in writing. If your landlord ignores or delays the work, you have the right to escalate through their complaints process and, ultimately, to the Housing Ombudsman or Environmental Health.

Your rights if facing eviction

If you are a secure or assured tenant, your landlord cannot simply ask you to leave. They must serve a valid notice (such as a Section 8 notice) and obtain a court order. The notice must state a legal ground for possession and give you the correct notice period.

You have the right to challenge the notice if it is invalid, and the court will consider whether it is reasonable to grant possession. Get advice as early as possible.

Housing Ombudsman: who can use it and when

The Housing Ombudsman Service is a free, independent body that investigates complaints about council landlords and housing associations in England. You do not need a solicitor.

Before going to the Ombudsman, you must complete your landlord's internal complaints process (usually two stages). Once you have a final response (or if 8 weeks pass without one), you can submit your complaint to the Ombudsman.

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Equality Act 2010 and housing adaptations

Under the Equality Act 2010, your landlord must not discriminate against you because of a disability (or other protected characteristic). If you need adaptations to your home, such as grab rails, a walk-in shower, or a ramp, your landlord has a duty to consider reasonable adjustments.

For council tenants, your local authority may also provide Disabled Facilities Grants for larger adaptations. You have the right to request these without fear of eviction or penalty.

Right to Repair scheme

The Right to Repair scheme applies to secure council tenants in England. If a "qualifying repair" (one that costs under a set limit and affects your health, safety, or security) is not completed within the prescribed time, you can ask your council to appoint a different contractor to do the work.

Qualifying repairs include things like broken locks, blocked drains, faulty electrical fittings, and loss of heating. If the repair is still not done, you may be entitled to compensation.

Deposit protection rights

If you have an assured shorthold tenancy and paid a deposit, your landlord must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. The three approved schemes are the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

If your deposit is not protected, your landlord cannot use a Section 21 notice to evict you, and you may be able to claim compensation of up to three times the deposit amount through the courts.

Frequently asked questions about tenant rights

It depends on your tenancy type. If you have an assured tenancy with a council or housing association, your landlord generally needs a legal ground for possession (such as rent arrears or antisocial behaviour). Section 21 "no fault" evictions apply mainly to assured shorthold tenancies in the private sector. If you receive a notice, check the type carefully and seek advice.

There is no single legal deadline for all repairs, but your landlord must carry them out within a "reasonable time." Emergency repairs (such as a gas leak or total loss of heating in winter) should be dealt with within 24 hours. Urgent repairs typically within 5 to 7 days, and routine repairs within around 28 days. Your tenancy agreement or landlord's published policy may set specific timescales.

The Housing Ombudsman Service investigates complaints about housing associations and council landlords in England. You can complain to the Ombudsman once you have been through your landlord's internal complaints process (both stages). You do not need a solicitor and the service is free.

Generally, no. Withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction for rent arrears. Instead, put your repair request in writing, follow the complaints process, and escalate to the Housing Ombudsman or Environmental Health if needed. Our letter tools can help you create a formal written record.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (section 11) and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, your landlord must keep the property in a condition fit for you to live in. Persistent damp and mould caused by structural issues or disrepair is the landlord's responsibility to fix. You should report it in writing and keep evidence (photos, dates, any health effects).

Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your home, and visits should be at a reasonable time of day. The only exception is a genuine emergency, such as a gas leak or flooding. You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home.

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