Lettings Helpline FAQs

Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC) and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are documents that confirm a safety check has been completed in a privately rented property, but are used in different situations. Since April 2021, all UK landlords must have a valid EICR, but may not need an EIC unless changes have been made to hard-wired electrics.

The reasonableness of a landlord refusing a tenant's request to have a pet can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the property, and the landlord's policies.

If a tenant fails to return the keys, this is normally taken to mean they have not given up the tenancy and therefore can be open to lots of issues for the landlord, even if the tenant has actually moved out.

If you encounter abandonment in an assured shorthold tenancy, follow our eight steps to appropriately handle the situation.

Recovering rent arrears in England typically involves following specific legal procedures to ensure that you have a lawful and fair process for collecting the overdue rent.

A Rent Tribunal, also known as a Rent Board or Rent Commission, is a quasi-judicial body established by local or regional governments to address disputes and matters related to rental housing.

In the event that a landlord dies or has mental incapacity, if a Power of Attorney (POA) has been set up, the person(s) named as the landlord’s POA can instruct on the landlord’s behalf.

The responsibility for eradicating vermin in a rented property is usually with the landlord, although it can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the cause of the vermin infestation.

Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 allows a landlord to raise the rent on a periodic assured or assured shorthold tenancy by giving the tenant a notice of increase in the prescribed form.

Starting rental repossession proceedings in England involves following specific legal procedures to regain possession of your rental property from a tenant who has breached the tenancy agreement or is in rent arrears.

There are two main types of notices that can be used for rental repossession: a Section 8 for tenancy breaches and Section 21 Notice for no-fault evictions. Following the correct steps to serve a notice legally is essential.

Generally, tenants do not have the right to change locks without the landlord's consent but it's crucial that tenants have their statutory right to ‘quiet enjoyment’.