Disrepair to Rented Homes Advice for Tenants Tenants of all rented accommodation who have concerns regarding the repair of their home can contact the Council for advice on the standards they should expect.

Click on the housing standards link to find out more. Often tenants are able to resolve their concerns directly with their landlord or letting agent, but where this fails the Council may assist in securing repairs or improvements where they are necessary. In such instances the Council will aim to work with all parties concerned to ensure the property is improved. Your landlord may even be entitled to a grant from the Council. Where informal efforts are unsuccessful the Council also has enforcement powers to ensure works are carried out.

If you live in a bedsit, shared house or house converted into flats special legal provision may apply.  These properties are also called Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

From the 1st of October 2008, if you rent a property from a private or social landlord you should be provided with an Energy Performance Certificate for the dwelling.  This certificate will provide you with important information about the homes energy efficiency and how much it is likely to cost to heat.  Go to the Communities and Local Government website for more information.

Tenancy Deposit Schemes

if your landlord or letting agent requests that you pay a deposit on a new tenancy, you will need to ensure that they place the deposit in an authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.  Furthr details can be obtained from the Directgov website.