Renting in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) requires tenants to prioritise checking tenancy agreements, deposit protection (max 5 weeks’ rent), safety certificates (gas/electric), and energy efficiency (EPC). Key responsibilities include timely rent payments, reporting repairs, utility management, and adhering to restrictions on pets or subletting.
Key considerations for tenants in the PRS include:
- Tenancy Agreement & Fees: Ensure a written agreement is signed, detailing rent amount, payment method, and duration. Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits most fees, restricting charges to rent, deposit, holding deposit (max 1 week’s rent), and specific permitted payments like contract changes.
- Deposit Protection: Landlords must protect deposits in a government-backed scheme within 30 days and provide “prescribed information”.
- Safety and Health: Tenants have the right to a safe home, with landlords required to provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate, electrical checks, and a working smoke/carbon monoxide alarm.
- Energy Efficiency: Properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or better.
- Responsibilities:
- Rent: Pay on time and in full.
- Maintenance: Keep the property clean, well-ventilated to avoid mould, and report repairs promptly.
- Behaviour: Act considerately towards neighbours to avoid eviction for anti-social behaviour.
- Subletting: Do not take in lodgers or sublet without explicit landlord permission.
- End of Tenancy: Return the property in the same condition as when moved in (minus fair wear and tear), using the inventory for checks.
- Communication: Both the tenant and landlord benefit when communication is clear, polite and professional. Sometimes, things don’t go to plan – whether it is maintenance in the property or things have changed for the tenant (income, health, etc)
Upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will affect the sector by banning rental bidding, restricting rent increases to once a year, and requiring landlords to consider requests to keep pets.
