Private renting advice

A very good range of houses and flats are available for rent from private landlords.

If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to claim benefits that will help you pay your rent.

To find homes that may be available to rent privately, try checking:

• Estate agents
• Local newspapers 
• Letting agents in telephone directories like the Yellow Pages or Thomson Local Directory 
• Private adverts in local shop windows or online
• Family and friends

Key questions to ask before you rent

• How much is the rent?
• How much is the council tax?
• What does the rent include?
• Is the rent weekly, monthly or every 4 weeks?
• Does the rent include the gas, electricity and water?
• Is furniture included?
• What condition is the building in?

Rights and responsibilities

If you become a private tenant in rented property, you will have certain rights and responsibilities.

For advice see Private renting: Your rights and responsibilities - GOV.UK

The Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act is now law, but these new powers will not come into effect until 1 May 2026 and are expected to bring substantial changes to the private rented sector. Find out more here. 

Struggling to pay your rent

It is important that you keep up to date with your rent payments. If you are struggling to pay your rent, get some advice as soon as you can.

You may be eligible for financial support to help with your rent payments. Find out more here.

Harassment or threatened with eviction?

Harassment can be when your landlord or agent behaves in a way which has an impact on your rights as a tenant and causes you alarm or distress. It may be that someone creates an atmosphere that makes you feel uncomfortable.  This could be because you feel offended, intimidated, or humiliated.

Landlords are not allowed to pressure or intimidate you or disrupt your enjoyment of your home. There are laws that protect you from harassment.

It may be harassment if your landlord:

• Tries to force you out of your home by threatening you
• Is trying to force you to pay money to them
• Is constantly calling/messaging you
• Turns up at your home without any warning
• Turns the electricity/gas/water off

Harassment and illegal eviction are offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.  

Make sure you know your rights and contact us for support if this is happening to you

We are working hard to ensure all private agents and landlords provide good quality homes in Redditch. The Private Sector Housing Team and Homelessness Options are also here to support.

We can:

• Talk to your landlord about your rights
• Tell your landlord that they are breaking the law
• Negotiate with your landlord
• Help you get back into your home if you've been illegally evicted
• Investigate any disrepair in your flat and serve notice on your landlord to make sure repairs are carried out
• Prosecute or fine your landlord in serious cases
• Provide information on how tenants can claim up to 12 months' rent back

More information about harassment and illegal eviction can be found on the GOV.UK website and also Shelter's website.

If anyone tries to remove you or your belongings without legal notice, call the police on 999.

My Housing Issue Gateway

The Housing Gateway is a signposting tool to guide private renters toward the right dispute resolution mechanism or service; a resource hub providing tailored information about housing rights and options; and a personal diagnostic tool to encourage early resolution of disputes wherever possible. Information and signposting for social renters can also be found through the tool.   You can access the tool here: https://myhousinggateway.org.uk/get-advice/questions

Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS)

Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) - GOV.UK

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funds the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) throughout England and Wales to provide:

• Early Legal Advice to anyone at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home – advice can be provided in relation to Housing, Debt and Welfare Benefits issues
• In Court Duty on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings

The service enables anyone at risk of losing their home or facing possession proceedings to get free legal advice, and representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.

A list of providers who can deliver Housing Loss Prevention Advice Services from the 1st of August 2023 is available in the ‘Documents’ section above. This list will be updated as further provider contracts commence.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Contact us - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides free, independent advice to tenants experiencing illegal eviction or harassment.

They help by:

• Explaining tenants’ legal rights (including that eviction without a court order is unlawful)
• Advising on immediate steps to stay safe or regain access to the property
• Supporting tenants to contact the council or police
• Helping gather evidence and draft complaints or letters
• Referring cases for legal support where needed