Problems with your landlord - how the council can help

Harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. If you experience harassment from your landlord, you should contact the local council's Environmental Health office. They have authority to investigate and can take legal action against a landlord.

Harassment and unlawful eviction of a tenant

The local council investigates complaints about landlord harassment or illegal eviction of tenants. They can prosecute landlords for these offences.

To contact the council in your area, go to:

Landlord's obligations to a tenant

All private landlords must register before letting a new tenancy. The council can prosecute a landlord who doesn't give a tenant:

  • a rent book
  • a statement of tenancy terms 

The council can also prosecute a landlord who:

  • doesn't protect a tenant’s deposit
  • doesn't register as a landlord
  • rents a property to multiple tenants but doesn't license it as a house in multiple occupation

Landlord registration 

Landlords must be registered if they rent houses or flats to private tenants.
If you live in private rented accommodation and want to check your landlord is registered, go to:

You can check if they've registered the property you're living in:

Complaining about a landlord

When the council receives a complaint from a tenant, an Environmental Health officer will investigate. They might ask the landlord to provide information to the tenant. When a landlord won't provide information, the council can prosecute.

Landlord's obligation to protect your tenancy deposit

Since 1 April 2013 your landlord must protect a new deposit in one of the approved tenancy deposit schemes within 14 days of receiving the deposit from you.

Your landlord must also give you specific information about the scheme your deposit is protected in within 28 days of getting the deposit from you.

The council can fine your landlord if they don't meet their landlord obligations. 

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