March 13, 2025
As a landlord, understanding tenant rights and obligations is important for maintaining a professional relationship with your tenants. Whether you’re new to property letting or an experienced landlord, staying informed helps prevent disputes and ensures a smooth tenancy.
Here’s what you need to know about tenants’ rights and responsibilities in the UK.
Tenant rights: What landlords must provide
Tenants in the UK are protected by several legal rights designed to ensure fair treatment and safe living conditions. As a landlord, you must respect these rights to avoid legal complications.
The right to a safe and habitable home
Landlords must ensure that the property meets health and safety standards. This includes providing:
- A structurally sound and well-maintained home
- Functioning heating and hot water
- Safe electrical and gas installations
- A valid EPC rated at least ‘E’
- Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Protection of deposits
All tenancy deposits must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. You must provide tenants with prescribed information about the scheme within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Failing to protect a tenant’s deposit can result in fines of up to three times the deposit amount.
The right to quiet enjoyment
Tenants have the legal right to live in their rental property without unnecessary interference from the landlord. While you may need to carry out inspections or repairs, you must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property, unless it’s an emergency.
Protection from unfair eviction and unfair rent increases
Landlords must follow legal procedures when ending a tenancy and increasing rent. Currently, Section 21 (no-fault evictions) requires at least two months’ notice, but the new Renters’ Rights Bill will mean that landlords will no longer be able evict tenants without a valid reason.
Rent increases must comply with tenancy agreements and legal notice periods. When the new Renters’ Rights Bill is implemented this year, to increase rent, landlords will need to serve a ‘Section 13’ notice, setting out the new rent and giving at least 2 months’ notice of it taking effect.
Right to Rent checks
Under UK law, landlords must conduct Right to Rent checks to confirm that tenants have the legal right to live in the country. Failure to carry out these checks can result in significant fines or legal action.
These checks involve:
- Checking original identification documents
- Keeping copies of the documents for records
- Conducting follow-up checks if a tenant has a time-limited right to rent
Tenant obligations: What landlords can expect
Just as tenants have rights, they also have responsibilities that help maintain the property and ensure a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Paying rent on time
The primary obligation of a tenant is to pay rent in full and on time as agreed in the tenancy agreement. If a tenant fails to do so, landlords can follow legal procedures to recover unpaid rent.
Keeping the property in good condition
While landlords are responsible for major repairs, tenants must:
- Keep the property clean and free from damage
- Dispose of waste properly
- Report necessary repairs in a timely manner
- Repair or pay for any damage caused by the tenant, or their family or friends
Allowing access for inspections and repairs
Tenants must permit landlords or authorised agents to enter the property for inspections and repairs, provided they receive proper notice.
Following the terms of the tenancy agreement
Tenants must adhere to the terms outlined in their contract, including:
- Restrictions on subletting
- Compliance with noise regulations
- Respecting neighbours and communal spaces
How to maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship
A clear understanding of tenant rights and obligations can prevent misunderstandings and disputes. To foster a positive relationship:
- Keep communication open – Respond to maintenance requests and concerns promptly.
- Document everything – Keep written records of agreements, inspections, and communications.
- Stay informed – Regularly update yourself on UK rental laws to remain compliant.
By respecting tenant rights while holding tenants accountable for their obligations, landlords can create a professional and hassle-free letting experience. If you need expert property management support, Jacobs Steel is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
How Jacobs Steel helps you manage your tenancies
We know that keeping up with the requirements of being a landlord is time-consuming. That’s why Jacobs Steel offers a complete property management service, ensuring your rental meets every regulation without the hassle.
Here’s how we can help:
- Regular compliance checks – We keep an eye on all required safety certificates and remind you when they need renewing.
- Trusted repairs network – Need a gas safety check or a handyman repair? We’ll arrange it for you.
- Hassle-free tenant management – From right-to-rent checks to deposit protection, we handle it all.
- Legislation updates – We stay on top of changing regulations, so you don’t have to.
Jacobs Steel takes the stress out of managing tenancies, so you can focus on being a successful landlord.
If you need expert property management support, Jacobs Steel is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Get in touch with Jacobs Steel today.
The Renters Reform Bill is coming
Download our free guide ’10 Things Every Landlord Should Know in 2025′
