Advice and Information for Tenants

Do you rent or are you thinking of renting a property from a private landlord?

Before renting a property, you need to know what you can afford and have an understanding of the tenancy agreement which sets out the main terms of the tenancy, including the duration of the tenancy, the amount of rent and how often the rent can be increased.

How to rent checklist - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent/how-to-rent-the-checklist-for-renting-in-england

• Tenants Responsibilities and Landlord Responsibilities
  Find out what you and your Landlord are responsible for.
• Housing standards in rented accommodation
  The Landlord has a responsibility to ensure that the property is free from serious hazards and in good repair.
• Problems with your Property
  Advice is available if you are having problems with disrepair to your property
• Living in Shared Accommodation - Houses in Multiple Occupation
  If you live in a bedsit, share facilities, e.g. a bathroom or kitchen with other occupants in your house, live in a property divided into flats, then you probably live in a house in multiple occupation (known as an HMO). Landlords have extra responsibilities to ensure properties are properly managed.
• Energy Certificates (pdf, 437kb)
  Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate to people who want to rent a home from them. An energy performance certificate (EPC) gives you information about the energy efficiency of the home you want to rent.
• If you are having problems with the property you are living in and the Landlord isn't doing any repairs, please use the attached link to make an complaint: 

Other useful information for tenants

• Renting from a Social Landlord
  Social Rented housing is provided by Dover District Council and Housing Associations. It is allocated on the basis of need and the rent levels are usually lower than rents in the Private Rented sector. Due to the shortage of Social Rented Housing, you may have to wait to get a home.
• What to do if you are homeless or about to be made homeless
  If you are being threatened with being made homeless or if you are homeless you need to contact the Housing Needs team immediately.
  - Do not leave it until the last minute to act.
  - Do not give up your home until you are legally obliged to do so (usually by court order) as this may damage any application for help that you make to this or any other council.
  For advice or to make a homeless application, you will need to come to the Gateway. You do not need an appointment for your first visit.
• Repossession by your landlord's mortgage lender
  Advice for Tenants facing eviction because their landlord has mortgage arrears. 

Tel: 01304 872 397

Email: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk

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