Do you know tenants are entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation if their landlords fail to make necessary repairs? As a tenant, how can you ensure you are protected and get the most out of your rental experience?
Renting a home can be a complex and daunting process, especially when you’re unaware of your rights and responsibilities. This comprehensive How to Rent Guide for 2025 will walk you through every step of renting a property, from searching for the perfect home to understanding your legal rights as a tenant.
Whether you’re a first-time renter or someone looking to make sure your rights are protected, this guide is your go-to resource. With our expertise at Housing Disrepair Experts, we ensure that you’re well-informed and equipped to navigate the rental process and avoid common pitfalls, especially when it comes to housing disrepair issues.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to rent a home safely, confidently, and with the peace of mind that your living conditions are protected.
What to Consider Before Renting a Property
Renting a property involves a lot more than just signing a lease and paying the rent. Before you embark on your journey to find the perfect home, there are several important factors to consider that will make your rental experience smoother and more secure.
Understanding Your Budget and Rent Affordability
The first thing to consider is how much rent you can afford. According to experts, around 35% of your take-home pay is the maximum that most people can afford to spend on rent. However, this depends on your individual circumstances, such as other monthly expenses and whether you have dependents. It’s important to create a budget that includes not just rent but also utilities, council tax, and other living costs.
Researching Rental Laws and Tenant Rights in 2025
Before entering into any rental agreement, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a tenant in 2025. Familiarising yourself with the current tenant laws in the UK, such as the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, can save you from potential legal disputes later on.
Knowing your rights in case of housing disrepair, eviction notices, or rent increases will give you the power to make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.
Key Documents Required for Renting a Property
When applying for a rental property, landlords and letting agents will ask for certain documents to confirm your identity, financial stability, and right to rent in the UK. Common documents include:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements)
- Credit history (to check for any issues with past rent payments)
- Employment status (a letter from your employer or payslips)
Additionally, you will need to undergo a Right to Rent Check, which we’ll explain later in this guide. Be sure to have all these documents ready before applying for a property, as it can streamline the process.
First-Time Renter’s Tips
For those renting for the first time, the process can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Start early: Begin your search early to have enough time to evaluate different properties and compare rental prices.
- Check for hidden costs: Be aware of costs beyond rent, such as maintenance fees, parking, and insurance.
- Inspect the property thoroughly: Look for signs of damp, leaks, or other potential problems. Don’t hesitate to ask the landlord questions about any issues you’re concerned about.
- Read the fine print: Before signing the lease, make sure you understand the terms, especially regarding rent increases, repairs, and deposit refunds.
How to Start Your Search for the Perfect Rental Property
Finding a rental property that suits your needs and budget involves more than just browsing listings. Here’s how you can approach the search effectively:
Using Property Portals and Local Listings
There are many online property portals, such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and local council websites, where you can search for rental properties. Narrow down your options by setting filters like location, price range, number of bedrooms, and amenities. Many properties also offer virtual tours or photos to help you get a better idea of the space before arranging a viewing.
Assessing the Suitability of a Property
Before you even visit a property, consider whether it meets your basic needs:
- Location: Is the property close to your workplace, public transportation, or schools (if applicable)?
- Safety: Check if the neighborhood is safe by looking at local crime statistics and reading reviews from previous tenants.
- Accessibility: If you have any disabilities or specific accessibility needs, check whether the property accommodates those needs. Many landlords are legally required to make reasonable adjustments, and some properties offer modifications to suit tenants with disabilities.
What to Check During Viewings
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to schedule viewings. Here’s what to pay attention to:
- Condition of the Property: Check for any obvious signs of disrepair, such as damp, cracks in the walls, or faulty plumbing.
- Appliances and Fixtures: Make sure all appliances (e.g., cooker, fridge, washing machine) are in working order.
- Security: Check if there are secure locks on windows and doors, and if the property has adequate outdoor lighting.
Understanding Deposit and Rent Terms
Most landlords ask for a deposit before you move in. As per the latest laws, the maximum deposit you can be charged is five weeks’ rent if the annual rent is less than £50,000.
However, if the rent exceeds this amount, the maximum deposit may be six weeks’ rent. The deposit must be held in a government-approved deposit protection scheme, and you should receive information on how and when you’ll get it back at the end of the tenancy.
Additionally, ensure you understand the rent terms, including the length of the lease and whether rent will increase after a certain period.
Legal Requirements for Renting in 2025
In 2025, there are several legal requirements that both tenants and landlords must follow to ensure the rental process runs smoothly. Here’s an overview of the key legal aspects you need to be aware of:
Right to Rent Check: What Is It and How Does It Affect You?
As a tenant, one of the first things you’ll need to do is undergo a Right to Rent Check. This is a legal requirement for anyone renting a property in the UK. The check is designed to ensure that all tenants have the legal right to reside in the country.
- Right to Rent Share Code: This is a unique code that allows landlords to verify your right to rent through the Home Office online system.
- Right to Rent Code: This is another version of the share code, which your landlord may request to verify your eligibility.
Read more: Top Strategies to Win Housing Compensation Claims
Landlord’s Right to Rent Check Responsibilities
Landlords are legally obligated to perform this check before you sign the tenancy agreement. If a landlord fails to carry out this check, they can face penalties, including fines or even imprisonment.
What the Landlord Must Provide You With
Once you’ve found the right rental property, it’s essential to ensure that your landlord is fulfilling their legal responsibilities. As per UK law, landlords must provide certain documents and meet specific requirements before you move in.
- Gas Safety Certificates
Landlords must provide you with a valid gas safety certificate before you occupy the property. This certificate confirms that gas appliances (such as the boiler or gas stove) are safe to use. Additionally, landlords must carry out an annual gas safety check and provide a new certificate after each inspection.
- Electrical Safety Checks
As of July 2020, landlords are required to conduct an electrical safety check every five years for all new tenancies. For existing tenancies, this check must be performed by April 2021. The inspection ensures that the electrical wiring and installations are safe for use. Your landlord should provide you with a copy of the inspection report.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The landlord must provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) for the property. This certificate rates the energy efficiency of the home on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Since April 2020, it is mandatory that all rented properties in the UK have an energy rating of E or above.
- Deposit Paperwork
If you’ve paid a deposit, your landlord must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. The landlord is also required to provide you with the prescribed information about the deposit, such as how and when you can get it back at the end of the tenancy.
- Inventory Check
Before you move in, agree on an inventory (or check-in report) with your landlord. This document lists all the items included in the rental property, such as furniture and appliances, and their condition. It is essential to have this inventory in place to avoid disputes over the condition of the property at the end of your tenancy.
Read more: Claim Your Rights: Housing Disrepair Claim Explained
Living in Your Rented Home: Responsibilities and Rights
Once you’ve moved into your rented property, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Living in a rental property comes with both obligations and protections, ensuring that your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay Rent on Time: One of your primary responsibilities as a tenant is to pay the rent on time. If your rent is more than 14 days late, you could incur a default fee as stipulated by the Tenant Fees Act. This fee will be capped at 3% above the Bank of England base rate for late payments. It’s crucial to stay on top of your payments to avoid late fees and any negative impact on your credit.
- Pay Other Bills: In most cases, tenants are responsible for utility bills, including gas, water, electricity, and council tax. Be sure to check your tenancy agreement to clarify who is responsible for which bills. If you are paying the utilities, you can choose your own energy supplier, which might help you save on costs.
- Maintain the Property: While your landlord is responsible for most repairs, you must still maintain the property and ensure it remains in good condition. This includes avoiding damage, keeping the property clean, and notifying your landlord about any issues that require repair.
- Respect Neighbors and Avoid Anti-Social Behavior: Being considerate towards your neighbors is important. Any anti-social behavior could lead to eviction if it violates your tenancy agreement.
What You Can Do as a Tenant to Protect Your Interests
- Report Repairs Promptly: It’s your responsibility to report any necessary repairs to your landlord or letting agent. Failure to report an issue early could result in it becoming a bigger problem, which could potentially affect your deposit when you move out.
- Get Contents Insurance: Your landlord’s insurance policy covers the property itself, but it does not cover your personal belongings. It’s advisable to take out contents insurance to protect your items in case of theft, damage, or a fire.
- Regularly Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Your landlord must ensure smoke alarms are installed on every floor of the property, and carbon monoxide detectors are in rooms with fixed combustion appliances (e.g., gas heaters). As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to check these detectors regularly to ensure they’re in working order.
- What the Landlord Must Do
While tenants have their responsibilities, landlords also have a duty to ensure the property is safe, habitable, and properly maintained. Some of the key landlord responsibilities include:
- Maintenance of the Property: The landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property. This includes repairs to the roof, walls, and foundations. They must also deal with any issues related to plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.
- Safety Checks: Your landlord must ensure that the property meets safety standards, including having smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and regular gas safety checks.
- Emergency Repairs: If an emergency repair is needed (e.g., a burst pipe or a broken boiler in winter), your landlord must act quickly to fix the problem. Tenants are not responsible for handling emergency repairs unless they are at fault for the damage.
Rights as a Tenant in Unsafe Living Conditions
If you find yourself living in a property that is unsafe or in need of urgent repairs, it’s essential to know your rights:
- Health and Safety Issues: If there are issues with damp, mould, faulty electrics, or any other hazard, your landlord is legally required to address the issue. If the landlord refuses to take action, you can contact your local council or the Housing Disrepair Experts for guidance on how to take further action.
- Housing Disrepair Claims: If your landlord neglects essential repairs, you may be entitled to compensation. You can take legal action to ensure the necessary repairs are made and that you receive compensation for any inconvenience or damages caused.
What Happens at the End of Your Fixed-Term Tenancy
At the end of your tenancy, whether fixed-term or rolling, you need to know how to proceed to ensure a smooth transition.
If You Want to Stay
If you wish to extend your tenancy, you can discuss options with your landlord. They may offer a new fixed-term agreement or allow you to continue on a rolling periodic tenancy. Be sure to clarify the terms, including any potential rent increases.
If You or the Landlord Wants to End the Tenancy
If either you or your landlord wishes to end the tenancy, the notice period will depend on the type of tenancy agreement you have. Typically, tenants are required to provide one month’s notice, while landlords may need to provide two months’ notice, depending on the circumstances.
What to Do if Your Landlord Fails to Make Repairs
If your landlord refuses or delays necessary repairs, the first step is to communicate your concerns clearly. Ensure that you have reported the issue in writing and keep a record of all correspondence. If the problem is severe, such as a broken heating system in winter or leaking pipes, it’s essential to inform the landlord immediately.
If your landlord still doesn’t act, you may contact your local council, which can use its powers to enforce repairs. Councils have the authority to issue improvement notices to landlords who fail to meet the required health and safety standards in rented properties.
How to Pursue Compensation Through Legal Channels
In some cases, you might be entitled to compensation for any inconvenience, health issues, or damages caused by the disrepair. If your landlord is negligent in carrying out repairs, you can pursue compensation through a legal claim.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 provides tenants with the right to take their landlord to court if the property is not fit to live in due to disrepair. Housing Disrepair Experts can assist in filing a claim for compensation, helping you get the repairs you need and the compensation you’re entitled to.
The Role of Housing Disrepair Experts
Navigating housing disrepair claims can be complex, but with the help of experts, you can ensure that your case is handled professionally. At Housing Disrepair Experts, we specialise in helping tenants get the compensation they deserve when landlords fail to meet their legal obligations.
We offer a no-win-no-fee service, meaning you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. Our experienced team of legal professionals will guide you through the claims process, ensuring you have the best chance of success.
Conclusion
In 2025, understanding your rights as a tenant and navigating the rental process efficiently is more important than ever. From the initial property search to securing your tenancy, it’s essential to understand what to look for and what your responsibilities are. The How to Rent Guide outlined above provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure you are well-equipped to make informed decisions about your rental property.
However, renting doesn’t stop at signing the lease. Throughout your tenancy, you need to ensure that your living conditions remain safe and any necessary repairs are made promptly. If your landlord fails to meet their obligations, you have the legal right to pursue compensation and ensure your home is habitable.
At Housing Disrepair Experts, we are dedicated to helping tenants navigate the complexities of housing disrepair and protect their rights. If you’re facing issues with your rental property, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing a safer, more comfortable living environment.
Your home should be a place where you feel safe, secure, and valued. Don’t let housing disrepair problems affect your quality of life—get the help you deserve with Housing Disrepair Experts by your side.
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FAQs
If your landlord refuses to make repairs, first report the issue in writing. If no action is taken, you can contact your local council or seek legal advice.
Ensure the property has smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and a valid gas safety certificate. You can also check for an energy performance certificate.
The maximum deposit a landlord can charge is five weeks’ rent if the annual rent is under £50,000, or six weeks’ rent if it exceeds that amount.
Rent increases can be agreed upon in your tenancy agreement or via a formal notice. You may challenge an increase through the tribunal if it seems unfair.
