Renting privately – your tenancy

Your landlord’s responsibilities

In Newham most privately rented properties must be licensed.

Licensing means your rights are better protected in Newham than anywhere else in the country.

It is a criminal offence if your landlord has not applied to licence the property where you live. You may be entitled to a refund of any rent you have paid up to a maximum of 12 months.

Property licensing means your landlord must:

  • Provide you with a written tenancy agreement and check to see if you can afford the rent
  • Make sure your home is safe and fitted with smoke alarms
  • Regularly inspect your home, to ensure things are in good repair
  • Investigate nuisance and problems with noise, rubbish and anti-social behaviour
  • Make sure the property does not become overcrowded.