Landlord rights
Issues can arise for both landlords and tenants and it’s important to know your rights in the event of a dispute or a problem. Our guides can help you find out all you need to know about your rights as a landlord.
Answers to your problems
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I'm thinking of letting a property, what do I need to do first?
Thinking of letting a property? Read the Which? guide before you decide to rent out your flat or house to see what you need to do.
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I can’t sell my house, can I rent it out?
Most lenders will agree to let you rent your house if you cannot sell it, providing you inform them. See how you can go about it.
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I'm in dispute with my tenant about their deposit
If there's a dispute about the return of your tenant's deposit, you need to know what you should do next. Read the Which? guide to help you.
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Landlord rights and responsibilities
If you're a private landlord in the UK and have a dispute or problem with your tenant, Which? Consumer Rights can help you understand your rights.
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My tenant has damaged my property, what can I do?
If your tenant damages fixtures and fittings in your rental property, read the Which? guide to see what your rights are.
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My tenant has left some items after the end of their tenure
If your tenant has vacated your home, but not taken all of their property with them, read the Which? guide to see what you should do.
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My tenant has left the property without giving any notice
If your tenant has just upped and left, they're in breach of contract and you're entitled to get your money back. Read the Which? guide on how to do this.
Step by step guides
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How to deal with a tenant whose rent has fallen into arrears
If your tenant is in rent arrears and you're having trouble ensuring the rent is paid, follow the Which? guidelines to recover any money owed to you.
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How to legally evict your tenant
If you need to evict your tenant, you must give at least two months notice. Read the Which? guide to see what else you need to be aware of.
Letters
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Letter to demand outstanding rent from a tenant
You can demand any rent back from a tenant that is left owing, as long as it has been at least eight weeks. Use this template letter to do so.
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Letter to a guarantor to demand rent
Use this letter template to contact your tenant's guarantor to request late or outstanding rent payments.
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Letter to a tenant about unauthorised pets at a property
If your tenant is keeping pets at a property without your permission, use this letter template to address the matter.
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Letter to give a tenant notice of possession under Section 21
A Section 21 notice of possession is a notice to inform the tenant that you wish to recover possession of the property at the end of a fixed-term tenancy agreement, or trigger an agreed break clause.
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Letter to notify a tenant about a maintenance or contractor visit
Tell your tenants about necessary maintenance work to be carried out on their home using this letter template.
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Letter to notify a tenant about a routine visit
Give your tenants notice that you'll be visiting their home for routine checks using this letter template.
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Letter to ask the ombudsman to intervene in your property dispute
If you're unhappy with the way your complaint has been handled by your estate agent, you can escalate it to the Property Ombudsman using this letter.