Property Safety and advice for tenants
Understanding what the new law means for private renters in England
On 1 May 2026, private renting changed.
The Renters’ Rights Act delivered new rights and responsibilities for tenants, landlords, and letting agents living and working in the private rented sector (PRS) in England. As a tenant you’ll face fewer barriers when you’re looking for a property to rent, and more security and stability once you’re in it.
Thew new rules apply to tenants in the PRS in England with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. Different rules apply if you:
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rent from a housing association or local council
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are renting in student halls (university owned or private)
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are a lodger
Find out more here or view the governments Renters Rights Act Changes leaflet
Property Safety
The GOV.UK 'How to rent' guide gives information for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. There is also an online checker tool - Check how to get repairs done in your rented home (justice.gov.uk)
Landlords are responsible for maintenance and repairs to:
- The structure of the building including gutters, pipes and drains, roof, walls, floors and windows
- Plumbing and sanitary fittings such as baths, toilets and sinks
- Heating and hot water systems
- Electrical and gas installations such as wiring, pipework radiators and boilers
If you want us to investigate a health and safety hazard in your private rented property you can report this us below:
Report an issue or poor repair to your privately rented home
Please note, the Council is not able to become involved in disputes between tenants and landlords over minor defects or routine maintenance. Please report issues to your landlord or agent in the first instance.
Damp and mould
Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health. You can also find advice on what to do if you have damp or mould in your rented home.
Gas Safety Advice
It is important that your landlord checks your gas appliances regularly. Find out more about your landlord’s obligations and how to make a complaint.
You can also read our advice for our council housing tenants on how to be gas safe in home.
Fitness for Human Habitation Act guide for tenants
If rented houses and flats are not ‘fit for human habitation’, tenants can take their landlords to court without relying on the local authority to do so.
The court can make the landlord carry out repairs or put right health and safety problems. The court can also make the landlord pay compensation to the tenant. Read the Guide for tenants: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 to find out if you may be eligible.
Tenant Fees Act 2019
A landlord or agent cannot require you (or anyone acting on your behalf or guaranteeing your rent) to make certain payments in connection with a tenancy in England.
They cannot require you to enter a contract with a third party for the provision for a service or for insurance or make a loan in connection with a tenancy.
Read the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to find out what your rights are.
Help and advice on your tenancy
If you need advice on your tenancy (or end of tenancy) and associated rights not covered above you can get help from Shelter or Justice for Tenants.
Rent Repayment Orders
A Rent Repayment Order forces a landlord to refund up to 24 months’ rent.
Rent Repayment Orders are awarded for various reasons but include:
- The property you are renting does not have a licence
- The landlord has not complied with a council notice
- The tenant has been harassed or evicted without the correct paperwork
- The landlord used violence to secure entry
- Knowingly or recklessly misusing a possession ground
Follow the link above for more information on these Orders or contact us directly if you think this may apply to your circumstances.
Contact us
If you feel like your landlord is not dealing with problems that you've reported, you can contact us at privatesectorhousing@northwarks.gov.uk or you can make a complaint and submit photos of your issue using our online portal here.
The Council will carry out its enforcement duties in accordance with our Enforcement Policy, Procedure and Civil Penalty Policy.