The law about tenants' rights is complicated. What rights you have depends on when you moved into your home and whether the landlord lives in the same place as you.
Whenever you moved in
You have legal rights. If your landlord wants you to leave, they must go through the proper legal procedure. If they try to make you leave without going through that procedure, they may be committing a criminal offence. If this is happening to you, get advice.
If your private landlord is harassing you or putting you under pressure, ring the emergency service on 234 4815. Manchester Housing provides this service. You also have rights regarding how much rent you should pay, getting repairs done, and on other subjects.
Are you a "Protected Tenant"?
If you are a Protected Tenant, you have many legal rights. You are likely to be a Protected Tenant if:
You moved into your home before 15 January 1989, and
Your landlord does not live in the same place that you do.
You can also become a Protected Tenant if you took over the tenancy from your husband, wife or partner after they died and they were a Protected Tenant.
Your rights if you are a Protected Tenant
You have the right to stay in your home. If your landlord wants you to leave, they must send you a legal document called a "Notice to Quit". They can only make you leave if a court has decided you must go. The court will only decide this in certain circumstances, for example, if you have broken the rules of the tenancy. Even if you owe rent, the court may not decide that you have to leave if you have financial problems and you agree to gradually pay off the money you owe.
You can apply for a "Fair Rent"
This may mean you have less rent to pay. When a Fair Rent has been set on a property, the landlord must not charge more than the Fair Rent. The landlord can apply once every two years for an increase in the rent. If a Fair Rent has been set, and you have been paying more than this, you may be able to get some of your money back - get advice.
You have the right to get repairs done
It is your landlord's responsibility to keep your home in good repair. This includes repairs to the basic structure of the building, inside and out, and to plumbing, electrical wiring, gas pipes, heaters and water heaters.
Protected Tenant? Think carefully before moving
If you are a Protected Tenant, think very carefully before you move to another privately rented home. You would lose many of your rights. The rent would probably be higher, and the landlord would find it much easier to make you leave.
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
September 2005
Date Reviewed:
26 April 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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