Private sector tenants
Questions?
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Has your landlord increased your rent?
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Is your landlord turning up at your home without any notice, or letting themselves into the property?
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Have they told you that you must get out of the property?
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Have they given you a letter stating that you must leave?
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Is your landlord refusing to carry out repairs on your property?
Answers / Your Rights
If you are a private tenant, you have legal rights; your landlord cannot just throw you out. The law states certain procedures must be followed before a landlord can evict you, and unless your landlord complies with these, you do not have to leave your accommodation.
Even if your landlord has not provided you with a tenancy agreement or a rent book, if you pay rent a contract exists between you and your landlord.
Most landlords of private tenants charge ‘market rents’, which is the amount of money tenants are willing to pay. It may be worth talking to your landlord if they want to increase the rent to try and agree a lower rent in return for not having to re-let the property.
If your landlord keeps turning up at your home, or letting themselves in without your knowledge, they may be guilty of harassment. Even though they may own the property it does not give them the right to do this. If you believe that your landlord is harassing you, we can provide advice and assistance.
As a private tenant you have the responsibility for smaller repairs, whilst your landlord should take responsibility for the major repairs. If your landlord needs to gain access to carry out repairs, it is your responsibility to let them in, as long as you have been given reasonable notice.
We would advise anyone considering renting accommodation to satisfy themselves of the safety of gas and electrical fixtures and appliances. By law the landlord must provide you with a gas safety certificate for the property. The electrics should be checked for safety at each change of tenancy.
For houses in multiple occupation the owner should be able to show you a safety certificate from the Fire Officer.
If you are experiencing any of the above and require any further advice please contact the Housing advice team:
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Write to: Housing Advice Officer, Blyth Valley Housing, Dinsdale House, 75 Marine Terrace, Blyth, NE24 2LN. |
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Telephone: Out of office emergencies |
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RNID Typetalk service prefix number 18001 |
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Email: |
75 Marine Terrace
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 2BX
Phone: 01670 542542