UK · Tenants and landlords

Advice

Plain-English advice on repairs, records and everyday problems in a rented home. Two halves — one for tenants, one for landlords — and a path to a DIY guide or a local trade when you are ready to act.

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

For tenants For landlords

Advice

For tenants

Who is supposed to fix what, how to report a problem properly, and what to do if it is not done. These pages are written mainly for private renters in England. The rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different.

For tenants

Who fixes what: tenant or landlord?

A plain-English split of typical repair jobs, and official links for England.

England Repairs Ready

Article ready

For tenants

How to report a repair properly

Photos, dates and a written record, so you can show you asked.

England Repairs

Coming soon

For tenants

Damp and mould in a rented home

What usually causes it, what to report, and where to get official advice.

England Health

Coming soon

For tenants

How long should repairs take?

There is no single legal deadline, but some jobs are urgent.

England Timescales

Coming soon

For tenants

If the landlord doesn’t fix it

The next steps, in plain English, with links to official help.

England Next steps

Coming soon

For tenants

Small fixes tenants can do themselves

Jobs that are often yours, without taking on the landlord’s work.

England DIY

Coming soon

For tenants

Heating and boiler problems

What to do first, and when to call the landlord or a Gas Safe engineer.

England Heating

Coming soon

For tenants

Getting your deposit back

End-of-tenancy fixes, fair wear and tear, and official deposit help.

England Deposits

Coming soon

Advice

For landlords

Your repair duties, the records worth keeping, and the newer renting rules in plain English, with links to official GOV.UK guidance. Written mainly for private landlords in England.

For landlords

Your repair duties and timescales

What the law usually expects you to fix, and how quickly.

England Duties

Coming soon

For landlords

The new renting rules in plain English

The Renters’ Rights Act, the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, with links to GOV.UK.

England New rules

Coming soon

For landlords

Keeping repair records: protect yourself

What to keep, how to date it, and why it matters when rules tighten.

England Records Ready

Article ready

For landlords

Damp and mould prevention

Spot it early, keep records, and follow official health guidance.

England Health

Coming soon

For landlords

Quick DIY fixes between tenancies

Fill, paint and tidy so the next tenant moves into a cared-for home.

England DIY

Coming soon

For landlords

Preparing a property to let

Safety checks, certificates and a sensible snagging list.

England Lettings

Coming soon

For landlords

Gas and electrical safety checks

An overview of the certificates landlords usually need, plus official guidance.

England Safety

Coming soon

For landlords

Finding reliable tradespeople

How to brief a trade, and a path to find one locally.

England Trades

Coming soon

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.