Rights and responsibilities for landlords and renters
Everyone deserves to live in a warm home.
Landlords and housing providers must follow laws and regulations so that their tenants can keep warm and well at home.
Tenants have rights and responsibilities too. See: Private renting: Your rights and responsibilities | GOV.UK.
Minimum Energy Efficiency (MEES)
If you think your property is in poor condition or does not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), contact your council’s local housing office.
A rented property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above, unless it is registered as exempt. Local authorities can investigate potential breaches, with fines of up to £5,000.
Damp and mould
Damp and mould are bad for your health. Landlords and housing providers have a legal duty to fix underlying issues. Tenants can complain if this is not done effectively.
For advice on how to tackle damp issues, see:
If you have damp or mould in your rented home | Citizens Advice.
Shelter also has advice on making complaints about a landlord. Visit Private renting | Shelter.
Accessing funding
Some private tenants will be eligible for grants for home improvements. Landlords may need to approve the work and contribute to the costs.
There are also grants to help landlords improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
You, or your landlord, can get in touch with the Warm Home Check service for advice.