RENTING RIGHTS
Caring for someone can change quickly. Having a clear plan helps you stay in control, reduces stress, and ensures the person you support receives the care they want—even in emergencies.
Understanding your housing rights can help you feel more secure and confident in your home.
Whether you rent privately or live in social housing, knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions.
Your Rights as a Renter
Your Rights as a Renter
As a renter, you have the right to live in a safe and suitable home.
Your landlord must make sure the property meets basic standards and carries out necessary repairs.
You also have the right to:
- A written tenancy agreement or clear terms
- Protection from unfair eviction
- Proper notice before your landlord enters your home
- Fair treatment without discrimination
Additionally, your landlord must follow legal processes if they want you to leave the property.
They cannot remove you without giving notice and going through the correct steps.
Changes under the Renters’ Rights Act
From May 2026, new laws have strengthened rights for many private renters in England.
These changes aim to make renting more secure and fair.
Key changes include:
- The end of “no-fault” evictions (Section 21)
- All tenancies becoming rolling, instead of fixed-term agreements
- Limits on rent increases and stronger rights to challenge them
- Restrictions on large upfront rent payments
- A right to request pets, which landlords must consider fairly
As a result, renters now have more stability and flexibility in their homes.
Landlords must also follow clearer rules when ending a tenancy or increasing rent.
These changes apply automatically, even if your tenancy agreement has not been updated.
Changes under the Renters’ Rights Act
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords have legal responsibilities to ensure your home is safe and well maintained.
They must deal with repairs, safety checks, and serious hazards.
This includes:
- Keeping the property structurally safe
- Ensuring gas and electrical safety checks are completed
- Addressing damp, mould, or health risks
They must also follow the correct legal process if they want to end your tenancy.
For example, they must provide a valid reason and give proper notice under the new rules.
If your landlord does not meet their responsibilities, you have the right to seek advice and support.
Private Tenants and Social Tenants: What’s Different?
Your rights can vary depending on the type of housing you live in.
Private tenants usually rent from an individual landlord or letting agent.
The Renters’ Rights Act mainly applies to this group.
Social tenants rent from a council or housing association.
They often have more long-term security but different tenancy rules.
For example:
- Social tenants may have stronger protection against eviction
- Waiting lists and eligibility rules apply to social housing
- Rent levels are often set differently
Understanding your tenancy type can help you access the right support and advice.
Private Tenants and Social Tenants: What’s Different?
Important information for East Marsh Residents
Important information for East Marsh Residents
If you live in or around the East Marsh, some local guidance or procedures may also apply.
These can include how the council manages housing support, homelessness applications, and landlord standards.
For example:
- Local authorities may have specific processes for reporting housing issues
- There may be additional support services available in your area
- Local policies can affect how homelessness applications are assessed
It is important to check local guidance alongside national law.
This will help you understand what support is available where you live.
Getting Further Help
If you are unsure about your rights, it is important to seek advice early.
You can speak to your local council, housing advisers, or support organisations.
Getting help early can prevent problems from becoming more serious.
It can also help you stay in your home or find the right support quickly.
Local information
National Support
Getting further help
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The Carers’ Support Centre
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