Help for private sector tenants
Find out how we can support you in finding and maintaining your privately-rented property.
The government's How to rent a safe home guide provides all the information you need to make your private tenancy a success.
We can also help you with your private tenancy.
Get help with a repair
Where properties in poor condition are let to tenants and improvements are not carried out, we have enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004 and other legislation to make sure landlords bring properties up to an acceptable standard.
Your landlord is responsible for repairing:
- the structure and outside of the building, including the walls, stairs and banisters, roof, external doors and windows
- sinks, baths, toilets, pipes and drains
- heating and hot water
- chimneys and ventilation
- gas appliances
- electrical wiring
- smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- entrance halls, communal stairways and shared kitchens
If your landlord has not carried out a repair that you have reported, contact our private sector housing team.
We do not investigate complaints about Social Housing. We would advise you to make a complaint to your landlord or registered provider in the first instance. Information about reporting repairs to a housing association landlord can be found on the Shelter website.
If you are unhappy with your landlord's final response you can make an official complaint. Information regarding how to make a complaint is available on the Social Housing complaints website.
Check whether your landlord is accredited
When you are looking to rent a property, you can contact our private sector housing team to check whether your prospective landlord is accredited.
Get help with harassment or illegal eviction
If your landlord is attempting to evict you illegally or harassing you in anyway, contact our homelessness and housing options team for advice. Let us know that you are having trouble before you leave your property.
Examples of harassment or illegal eviction include:
- threats, abuse or actual violence
- threatening you if you refuse to leave the property
- physically throwing you out
- cutting off or interfering with services (gas, water or electricity supply)
- entering your home without your permission
- changing the locks
- removing your belongings
- constant telephone calls and/or text messages
Contact us
Private sector housing team
Contact the private sector housing team if you need us to investigate a repair or you need help with finding an accredited landlord.
Homelessness and housing options team
Contact the homelessness and housing options team if your landlord is harassing you or trying to evict you illegally
During service hours: Service opening times are: Outside of these times including weekends, contact the Emergency Duty team on:
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