Tenants guide

Contents

• Overview
• Concerns before your tenancy starts
• Fees and upfront costs 
• Help with your rent 
• Tenant responsibilities 
• Landlord responsibilities 
• Difficulties with your landlord
• Rent arrears 
• Housing standards
  
• Ending your tenancy 
• Eviction
• Reporting concerns about a previous landlord

  ---

Reporting concerns about a previous landlord

If your previous landlord used ground 1 or 1A to end the tenancy because they wanted to sell the property, or because they, or one of their family members wanted to move into the property, there are rules about how the property can be used in the 12 months after the end of notice. The landlord cannot re-let or remarket the property during those 12 months, and they could receive a Civil Penalty if they do this. There are also rules about which family members can live in the property and landlords can be asked to prove who is living at the property if there is suspicion that Ground 1 was not used correctly.

If your previous landlord used Grounds 1 or 1A and you think they have advertised or re-let the property you used to live in, or that the person who moved in is not the landlord or a close family member, you can report your concerns using this form:

Report a concern about a previous landlord

You can find out more about the Renters' Rights Act on the Government’s Housing Hub.

Previous