Housing Law
6 min read
10/01/2025
Legal Brain Team
Tenant Rights
Legal protections and rights for residential tenants
Table of Contents
What is it?
Tenant rights are legal protections that ensure renters can live safely and peacefully in their homes, regardless of whether they have a written tenancy agreement.
Key Points
- 1Right to quiet enjoyment of the property
- 2Protection from illegal eviction
- 3Right to safe and habitable accommodation
- 4Deposit protection requirements
- 5Right to challenge unreasonable rent increases
Typical Process
1
Understand your tenancy type (assured shorthold, etc.)
2
Ensure deposit is protected in authorised scheme
3
Report repair issues to landlord in writing
4
Contact local council for serious safety issues
5
Seek advice if facing eviction
6
Challenge unfair practices through proper channels
Common Examples
- •Landlord entering without proper notice
- •Refusing to return deposit unfairly
- •Failing to maintain heating or hot water
- •Attempting to evict without proper procedure
- •Not protecting tenant deposit
- •Harassment or intimidation
Related Laws & Regulations
Housing Act 1988 (Section 21)
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11)
Housing Act 2004 (Section 212)
Tenancy Deposit Protection Regulations 2007
Protection from Eviction Act 1977
When to Seek Professional Help
- ⚠Facing eviction proceedings
- ⚠Landlord refusing to make essential repairs
- ⚠Deposit not returned or not protected
- ⚠Harassment or illegal entry by landlord
- ⚠Rent increase seems unreasonable
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