A guide to private renting

The Government's how to rent guide (GOV.UK) provides a useful guide to tenants about renting accommodation privately under an assured shorthold tenancy, either directly from a landlord or through a letting agency. Most of the information in it also applies to shared properties known as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). However, in certain cases, your rights and responsibilities will vary. 

The guide does not cover:

• Lodgers (england.shelter.org.uk) that is people who live with their landlord or
• People with licences (england.shelter.org.uk) such as many property guardians. For more information, visit property guardians: guidance (GOV.UK)
• Tenants where the property is not their main or only home.

The latest edition of this guide must be given out with all new assured shorthold tenancies, but not when a tenancy is renewed unless the document has been updated.

Last updated: 07/01/2025 12:13