For assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales, your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme — DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS — within 30 days of receiving it. They must also give you the prescribed information about which scheme holds your deposit.
If your landlord fails to protect your deposit: they cannot use a Section 21 notice to evict you, and you can apply to the county court to claim 1-3x the deposit amount as compensation. This is one of the strongest tenant protections in UK law.
📖 Housing Act 2004, Sections 213-215
Section 21 (no-fault eviction): Your landlord can give 2 months' notice to end your tenancy, but only after the fixed term has ended. They must have protected your deposit, provided a valid EPC, gas safety certificate, and the government's "How to Rent" guide. Note: the Renters' Reform Bill proposes to abolish Section 21 entirely — check the latest status.
Section 8 (fault-based eviction): Your landlord must specify a particular ground for eviction — rent arrears, breach of tenancy, antisocial behaviour, etc. Notice periods range from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the ground. Some grounds are mandatory (court must grant possession) and others are discretionary (court decides).
Your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining: the structure and exterior of the property (walls, roof, windows, drains), heating and hot water installations, gas and electrical supply, and sanitation (basins, sinks, baths, toilets). These obligations apply regardless of what your tenancy agreement says.
If your landlord fails to carry out repairs after you have reported them in writing: contact your local council's Environmental Health team (they can issue improvement notices and prosecute landlords), or apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order. You may also be able to claim compensation for disrepair.
📖 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11
Periodic tenancies (rolling month-to-month): Your landlord must give at least 1 month's notice using a formal Section 13 notice. You can challenge excessive increases at the First-tier Tribunal, which will assess what a market rent would be.
Fixed-term tenancies: Your landlord can only increase rent during the fixed term if your tenancy agreement contains a rent review clause. Without one, rent stays the same until the fixed term ends.
You have a legal right to live in your home without interference. Your landlord cannot: enter without giving you at least 24 hours' written notice, harass you (persistent calls, threats, intimidation), change the locks while you are living there, cut off utilities (gas, electricity, water), or otherwise interfere with your peaceful use of the property.
Harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. If your landlord is harassing you or has illegally evicted you, contact your local council's Tenancy Relations Officer or the police. You may also claim damages in court.
📖 Protection from Eviction Act 1977
When your tenancy ends: do a thorough check-out with photos of every room, take meter readings, return all keys, and leave the property clean and in the condition you found it (allowing for fair wear and tear). Compare your check-out photos with the original inventory.
If your landlord makes unfair deductions or refuses to return your deposit, your deposit scheme offers free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). An independent adjudicator will review the evidence and make a binding decision. No lawyer needed. You typically have up to 3 months after tenancy ends to raise a dispute with the scheme.
Tell Vera what happened — get a step-by-step action plan for your tenancy dispute. Free and confidential.
General legal information only — not legal advice. For specific situations, consult Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a qualified solicitor.