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Tenant rights and responsibilities
When you rent a property as a tenant, you would have entered into a contract with the landlord that sets out each side’s rights and responsibilities.
The type of tenancy agreement that you have with your landlord will affect your legal rights.
There are a number of different tenancy agreements, and most will state clearly what type they are. Most tenancies entered into on or after 28 February 1997 in England and Wales, will be assured shorthold tenancies. This type of tenancy has the following characteristics:
- The tenants must be individuals.
- The tenants are free to use the property as their own (meaning that other people in particular the landlord aren’t).
- The property must be the main home for at least one of the tenants.
An assured shorthold tenancy gives your certain legal rights, but it can be difficult to understand where you stand when it comes to deposits and notice periods to terminate the tenancy.
Which? Legal can help
Our team of specialist advisers can provide you with expert legal advice or answer any questions you have about your shorthold tenancy.
They will advise you on your legal rights as a tenant and can guide you through the necessary steps to resolve a landlord dispute.
- Access our experts in consumer law, travel, motoring, landlords & tenancy, wills & probate and more
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- Know your rights and next steps
- Cover for the whole household on multiple issues
Ian Hawkins
Ian began advising in the legal expenses industry and joined the Which? Legal team in 2016.
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Evgeni Hristov
Evgeni joined Which? Legal in December 2017 as a consumer law adviser. Evgeni graduated law at the University of the West of England in 2014.
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Sanchia Pereira
Sanchia joined Which? Legal in 2018 and is a qualified solicitor. Sanchia has worked in private practice, specialising in criminal litigation.
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