- If you want to move into the private rented sector but are not sure of where to look or what to do see Private Rented Options.
- If you are an existing private, Council or Housing Association tenant and are experiencing problems with your current tenancy or landlord, the Housing Options and Private Sector Housing teams may be of assistance.
Rent arrears
It is never acceptable to not pay your rent and many landlords will begin proceedings for eviction if their tenants fall behind with rent payments. Paying rent is an absolute must and other payments and debts should not be prioritised above this. If you are relying on housing benefit to help with rent payments then you should complete a Housing Benefit form as soon as your tenancy commences and ensure that they have all of the information to process your claim. It is your sole responsibility to do this.
If you are in rent arrears at the moment, you should immediately apply for Housing Benefit and request a backdate if you have a legitimate reason for not claiming earlier. You should also remain in constant touch with your landlord to try to resolve the issue by agreeing to a payment plan. For further advice and information please contact the Homelessness Prevention Officers on 0115 914 8435 or 0115 914 8298.
Housing standards
There is a considerable amount of legislation and guidance relating to housing standards and conditions - decent and safe homes.
Housing improvements adaptations and grants
Assistance is available for property adaptations necessary to assist someone affected by disability or health to use their home effectively. This is available to tenants in private rented and social housing.
Disrepair and housing safety issues
If there is severe disrepair in your private rented property which is not life threatening, you should begin by writing to your landlord stating exactly what the problems are - you should keep copies of this correspondence and preferably send by recorded delivery. If the landlord fails to respond to your concerns you should contact either the Housing Options or Private Sector Housing Teams for further advice and information.
It is never a good idea to withhold rent from your landlord until they repair the damage as they may begin eviction proceedings against you. If you withhold the rent, state in writing to your landlord that you plan to do this and keep the money in a separate holding account. If you use this money to repair the damage keep receipts for all work that has been done.
In relation to disrepair and property improvements, there are a number of packages of assistance and advice that are available for residents in private rented accommodation, particularly if you have a repairing obligation. The information is detailed in the private sector housing renewal policies.
Eviction Notices
If you have been served with a notice of any kind either written or verbally you should contact the Homelessness Prevention officer immediately on 0115 9148435 to ensure that the notice is correct and advise of further options. An eviction notice should usually be in writing for a period of at least two months notice and, even after this expires, the landlord will have to apply to the court for a possession order.
If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant you are slightly more protected than private rented tenants when it comes to your landlord serving notice on you. Your landlord can only serve notice if there are serious rent arrears issues or severe antisocial behaviour issues. If you are served with notice you should also contact the Homelessness Prevention Officer for further information.
Harassment/ Illegal Eviction
If your landlord is threatening, harassing you and making you feel uncomfortable in your home then this is not acceptable. If your landlord wants to visit and inspect the property then they must give you at least 24 hours notice and, if this is not convenient, you have the right to reschedule for a date and time that is acceptable for you.
If your landlord is threatening to evict you in a short period of time or has actually illegally evicted you then you should contact the Housing Options Team for further advice. They will usually contact the landlord to try to resolve the situation and ensure that the landlord is aware of Housing Law. If you have been illegally evicted you should also seek independent legal advice.
Deposit issues
It is now law for all landlords to protect your deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme to prevent issues from arising when you’re trying to get your deposit back. For further information on how the scheme works and what happens if your deposit is not in a scheme see Tenancy Deposit Protection.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home and reducing your energy costs
Improving the energy efficiency of your home will help you to save money but will also help you to do your bit to reduce your environmental impact and prevent climate change. The Council offers advice on what you can do as well as grants and incentives to help you with this. If you are on a benefit it is likely that you will qualify for free insulation and possibly heating provision or repair.
Worried about home security?
Information on protecting yourself and your property can be accessed on the advice and safety pages.
