Private Landlords

Private landlords will normally rent their property at the market rate and their right to increase the rent depends on the type of tenancy.

Tenants who have a fixed term of three years or more, are legally entitled to a written tenancy agreement. However, where there is no written tenancy agreement, a tenant with a shorthold tenancy, starting on or after 28 February 1997, has a right to ask for a written statement of any of the following main terms of the tenancy:

• the date the tenancy began
• the amount of rent payable and
• the dates on which it is due
• any rent review arrangements the length of any fixed term

A private landlord will normally ask for a deposit. You should make sure that the condition of the property and any items of furniture are recorded in an inventory and the tenancy agreement states:

• how much the deposit is and who holds it
• when money can be deducted from the deposit (for unpaid rent or damage to property)
• when you will get the deposit back