Taking on a tenancy can be a great option, but it is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant to ensure a smooth and fair experience. Understanding what you are entitled to, like living in a safe and well-maintained property, gives you peace of mind. At the same time, knowing your responsibilities, such as taking care of the property and paying rent on time, helps maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. At Hamptons, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to enjoy your home with confidence.
If you are a tenant looking for a new home to let, view our properties available to rent.
Key benefits of being a tenant
Safe and habitable living conditions
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and well-maintained. Your landlord is responsible for making sure the essentials like heating, hot water, electrics and plumbing are in good working order, as well as ensuring the overall structure of the property is sound.
If something breaks or is not working properly, let your landlord or Hamptons if they are managing the property know straight away. This is so your landlord or agent can assess the failure and act appropriately. Landlords are duty bound to act swiftly if an essential item fails.
Deposit protection
Your tenancy deposit is protected by law. Your landlord must register your deposit with a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it. This protection sets out how your deposit is returned to you, such as timeframes around any apportionment, if any, at the end of the tenancy.
Right to quiet enjoyment
Your home is your space, and you have the right to enjoy it without unnecessary interruptions. This is what is known as your right to "quiet enjoyment." While your landlord may need to enter the property for inspections or repairs, they must always give you at least 24 hours notice and visit at a reasonable time.
At Hamptons, we are here to help you understand your rights and make the lettings process easier. Learn more about renting with Hamptons or visit our Tenant Guide for further information on how to let a property.
Our My Hamptons Online Service allows tenants and landlords to manage their accounts, access property details, and download important documents at any time.
Tenants' rights
Periodic tenancies
From 1st May 2026, under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, periodic tenancies are the only form of assured tenancy in England. Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are abolished for new lettings, and all existing fixed-term tenancies automatically convert to periodic tenancies on that date. This means there is no fixed end date to your tenancy. Your landlord must use specific legal grounds under Section 8 to seek possession.
Tenants' rights for repairs and maintenance
Who is responsible for repairs?
When it comes to keeping a property in good condition, both landlords and tenants have their roles. Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure and ensuring essential systems work, while tenants are expected to take care of the day-to-day upkeep and report any issues.
- Landlord's responsibilities: Your landlord must handle bigger repairs, such as fixing the roof, walls, and ensuring that heating, hot water, gas appliances, and electrical systems are all working safely. To understand more, check out our guide on landlord responsibilities.
- Tenant's responsibilities: As a tenant, you are in charge of minor fixes, like replacing lightbulbs or handling anything you may have damaged. It is also your job to keep the property ventilated, clean and prevent unnecessary damage through negligence and test your smoke alarms regularly.
How to report repairs
If something in your home needs attention, it is important to act quickly. Here is how you can report repairs:
- Identify the issue: Be clear on what is wrong, whether it is a leaky pipe, a broken boiler, or an electrical issue.
- Check your tenancy agreement or welcome letters: These are where you will have specific instructions on how to report repairs, whether it is direct to your landlord or to their appointed agent such as Hamptons. It is usually by email, phone, or through an online portal.
- Notify the landlord or letting agent: Get in touch with them directly, giving as much detail as possible. Including photos or videos of the problem can help speed up the process. At Hamptons we have an out of hours emergency line for significant issues.
- If you are a tenant with pets, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when letting, especially when it comes to repairs, maintenance and pet-related damage insurance. Our guides on renting with pets and whether landlords can refuse pets provide helpful advice.
Safety standards
Your landlord is legally required to make sure the property meets essential health and safety standards:
- Gas safety: All properties with gas appliances must have an annual gas safety check, and the landlord must provide you with a valid Gas Safety Certificate.
- Electrical safety: Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. Your landlord must provide you with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within 28 days of the inspection, and before you move in if you are a new tenant.
- Fire safety: Working smoke alarms must be installed on every floor. Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler. Gas cookers are excluded. Your landlord must also repair or replace any alarm once notified that it is faulty.
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO): This is where a property is let to at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. In most cases a licence is required, however some local authorities have selective licenses.
These standards are in place to ensure your home is safe and comfortable for you and your family. If you have any concerns about repairs or safety, do not hesitate to get in touch with your landlord or if your property is managed by Hamptons then contact your local office.
During the tenancy
Rent increases
At some point during your tenancy, your landlord may want to raise the rent:
- Rent increase rules: Your landlord can only increase the rent once per year and must do so using a formal Section 13 notice, giving you at least two months' written notice. If you believe the proposed increase is above market rate, you have the right to challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, the tribunal cannot award a rent higher than your landlord originally proposed. Find out how to challenge a rent increase at tribunal.
Access to the property
While your landlord can enter the property for certain reasons, there are clear guidelines to protect your privacy:
- When and how a landlord can access the property: By law, your landlord must provide at least 24 hours notice before entering the property, unless there is an emergency like a gas leak or fire. They can only enter for specific reasons, such as property inspections or to carry out repairs.
- Tenants' rights to refuse access: If your landlord tries to access the property without proper notice or a valid reason, you are entitled to refuse entry. As a tenant, you have the right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home, meaning your landlord must respect your privacy and minimise disturbances.
What to look for when your landlord serves notice on you
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and is now law. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 possession notices were abolished for all tenancies in England, new and existing. From that date, your landlord can only seek possession using one of the specific grounds set out in Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, as revised by the Act.
- Section 8 notices: A Section 8 notice must state a specific legal ground for possession. Common mandatory grounds include serious rent arrears, the landlord wishing to sell the property, or the landlord or a family member wishing to move in. For the latter two, your landlord must give you at least four months' notice and cannot re-let the property within twelve months of you leaving. As a tenant, you must give your landlord two months' notice from a rent due date if you wish to end your tenancy.
Section 8 grounds: Other grounds include causing damage to the property or breaching other terms of your tenancy agreement. The notice will state the ground being relied on and the timeframe, which varies depending on the issue.
How tenants can defend against a Section 8 notice: If you receive a Section 8 notice, you can challenge it in court. Your landlord must prove the ground for possession is valid. If you have already resolved the issue, for example by paying overdue rent, you may be able to stop the court proceedings. Only a court can legally require you to leave your home.
Mandatory documents your landlord must provide
Your landlord is required to provide certain documents throughout your tenancy. These include:
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate before you move in and annually thereafter
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within 28 days of the inspection
- The How to Rent: the checklist for renting in England, which must be the current version at the start of your tenancy (likely to cease after 1 May)
- The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, which all landlords and agents must provide to existing tenants by 31 May 2026. This document explains how the Renters' Rights Act affects your tenancy. If you have not received it by that date, contact your landlord or your Hamptons property manager. Failure to provide it carries a fine of up to £7,000.
Tenants' financial rights and responsibilities
It is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding payments to avoid potential disputes. Here is a breakdown of your financial obligations and protections as a tenant:
Your rent payment obligations
Paying rent on time is one of your primary responsibilities as a tenant.
- When rent is due: Your tenancy agreement will specify how often and when rent must be paid (e.g. monthly or weekly). It is important to stick to this schedule to avoid falling behind.
- What happens if rent is late: If you are struggling to pay rent on time, let your landlord know as soon as possible to discuss potential solutions, such as a payment plan. Persistent arrears may result in a Section 8 notice being served under the rent arrears grounds. Open communication with your landlord can help prevent issues from escalating.
- How Hamptons can help: With Hamptons, our My Hamptons Online Service makes it easy for tenants to manage rent payments, track account status, and stay on top of financial commitments.
Utilities and council tax responsibility
Understanding who is responsible for paying council tax can save you from unexpected bills.
- Who pays the utilities? In most cases, tenants are responsible for utilities and council tax unless otherwise agreed in the tenancy agreement. It is typically issued in the tenant's name, and it is important to ensure timely payment.
- Shared housing: If you live in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), your landlord may cover council tax as part of the rent. This should be clearly stated in your tenancy agreement, so check if you are unsure.
- Discounts and exemptions: You may be eligible for a discount or exemption if you are a student, living alone, or on a low income. Contact your local authority for more information on your eligibility.
How Hamptons can help tenants
Navigating your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but that is where we at Hamptons step in to help you every step of the way. We are here to make sure you are supported throughout your tenancy, ensuring your rights are protected and any issues are resolved quickly and fairly.
Support with tenancy agreements
Your tenancy agreement is the cornerstone of your experience as a tenant, so it is crucial that it is fair and clear.
- Protecting your rights: At Hamptons, we make sure every tenancy agreement is legally sound and up to date, so you know you are covered. We ensure your rights are protected, from rent terms to repair responsibilities.
- Clear terms: Our agreements are transparent about everything from rent payments to your right to live undisturbed. We help make sure you understand both your responsibilities and what you can expect from your landlord.
Support and resources
Occasional disagreements between landlords and tenants can happen, but that does not mean they have to turn into major problems.
- Whether it is over repairs or rent payments, where your property is managed, we will work with you and your landlord to find a fair solution that works for everyone.
- Our goal is to settle issues before they escalate. We encourage open communication to resolve disputes and help avoid the stress of going to court.
Sometimes, legal advice is needed, and when that happens, Hamptons can help.
- Expert referrals: If a situation requires legal action, such as a possession notice, we can refer you to trusted legal professionals who specialise in tenant rights.
- Practical guidance: Our property management team also provides hands-on advice to help you navigate tricky situations, making sure you know your rights and the steps you can take.
Protecting your rights as a tenant
Knowing your rights as a tenant is essential to ensuring a smooth and secure tenancy. From understanding your responsibilities to protecting yourself from unfair practices, being informed is your best tool for navigating the lettings market.
If you need support or advice on any tenant issues, Hamptons is here to help. Contact us or find your local branch today for guidance on protecting your rights and making the most of your tenancy, or visit the How to Rent: the checklist for renting in England for more information.
