The Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988 govern the renting or letting of property.

Landlords

• Your tenants should be able to live without being harassed, or inconvenienced by the landlord.
• Provide property that is fit for human habitation. If a property is in an unhealthy state it is illegal under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985.
• Maintain building structures and the outside of the property.
• Ensure that repairs are carried out properly.
• Design and build property to certain standards. If they don't, they can be prosecuted under the Defective Premises Act 1972.

Tenants

• Pay rent
• Pay Council Tax, Water Rates and any other bills connected with the property unless other arrangements have been agreed with the Landlord.
• Take care of the property
• Allow the landlord to enter and view the property, providing you've been given at least 24 hours notice.
• Leases and renting
• Both landlords and tenants have legal obligations that depend on the type of lease.
• There are three types of lease for private tenancies:
• Assured Shorthold Tenancy - tenancies started after 28th February 1997 unless the landlord has stated otherwise. Landlords are certain of retaining possession of the property at the end of the lease.
• Assured Tenancy - tenancy is assured for a fixed period and can only be terminated by court order or surrender by the tenant.
• Regulated (or 'protected') Tenancy - tenancies started before 15th January 1989. These offer the most protection against rent increases or eviction.
• Under the Housing Act 1985, council or housing association tenants benefit from . They have greater protection from rent increases or eviction than private tenants and can transfer the tenancy to a spouse or dependants should they die.