Your Rights as a Tenant: Housing Basics in the UK

Renting a home in the UK comes with real legal protections — many new arrivals don't realise how strong these are.

Before you move in, a landlord may carry out a "right to rent" check on your immigration status — this is standard and lawful. You should be given a written tenancy agreement (commonly an Assured Shorthold Tenancy). Any deposit you pay must, by law, be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you must be given details of which scheme.

Your landlord is responsible for keeping the property safe and in good repair — heating, water, electrics, and structural issues are their responsibility, not yours, unless you caused the damage. If repairs are ignored, put requests in writing and keep copies; this creates the evidence you'd need to escalate to your local council's housing team.

A landlord cannot evict you overnight. For most tenancies, they must follow a legal process, usually requiring a minimum notice period (commonly two months under a Section 21 notice, though rules are changing), and ultimately a court order if you don't leave. Anyone threatening to change your locks or remove your belongings without this process is acting unlawfully.

If you feel pressured, unsafe, or unfairly treated by a landlord, Citizens Advice and your local council both offer free, confidential housing guidance.

Facing a housing problem? AF Consultancy can help you understand your options — www.anastasia-fox-consultancy.com.