Problems in private rented accommodation
Information for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector including deposits, harassment, Notices and possession proceedings, rent arrears and repairs.
What is the problem?
Tips on problem-solving
My Housing Issue Gateway is a valuable online resource that aims to be diagnostic and signposting tool for tenant covering issues such as rent arrears, harassment, anti-social behaviour and more.
Each party should check their rights and responsibilities to help them decide the best thing to do. The occupancy agreement should set these out.
- Check for any other guidance:
assured shorthold tenants visit GOV.UK: How to rent (opens new window)
landlords letting under an assured shorthold agreement visit GOV.UK: How to let (opens new window).
- Use this information to discuss the problem and agree a way forward if possible. For example a landlord could agree not to give a Notice if the tenant sets up a repayment plan for rent arrears and keeps to it. Write down any agreement so that everyone is clear about it.
- The Council's Housing Solutions can also offer advice and mediation to prevent homelessness - contact Housing Options.
If you need advice
If you cannot come to an agreement, you may need advice. We advise anyone who has been summonsed to court to take advice.
Confidential, free advice on legal problems may be available from Citizens Advice, Shelter and Wiltshire Law Centre. For details of these services visit Worried about losing your home.
You may qualify for help with the costs of a solicitor. Details for local legal aid solicitors can be found at GOV.UK: Find a legal aid adviser (opens new window). The solicitor won't charge to advise you whether you qualify.
The National Residential Landlords Association has lots of information for landlords on its website and offers advice and other services to members, visit NRLA: National residential landlord association (opens new window).
Share this page
