Tenant–landlord relationship

The tenant–landlord relationship is the legal and practical relationship between a private landlord and their residential tenants under a private tenancy, usually an assured tenancy in the Private Rented Sector (PRS). It is created by the tenancy agreement, but heavily shaped by statute, guidance and the Renters’ Rights Act.

On your side, you are running a rental business and providing a home that is fit for human habitation, meets national rental standards, and complies with Awaab’s Law, energy efficiency rules and safety regulations. You must take only permitted payments, handle any tenancy deposit lawfully, keep clear records of rent payments, and treat tenants fairly and without discrimination.

On the tenant’s side, they must pay rent on time, look after the property, follow the tenancy conditions and engage reasonably over access and repairs.

The relationship is increasingly viewed as a regulated consumer relationship. Under the Renters’ Rights Act you are expected to resolve problems early, use the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman for complaints, keep your details up to date on the PRS Database, and only rely on statutory possession grounds and due process at end of tenancy. Persistent failures can lead to enforcement action, reputational damage and, in serious cases, loss of the right to operate.

Also see our landlord blog articles.