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For young people, moving into a first home can be very exciting and living independently for the first time can be a great adventure. But there is also a sense of responsibility that comes with that and there may also be a series of challenges you will face. Renting a property is a very common way for young people to secure affordable independence, but understanding a tenancy agreement is essential in making this a success and arming a young person with the tools to deal with issues such as repairs and [...]

For a tenant living in rented accommodation provided by a housing association, a local authority or through social housing, the cost of living crisis has hit hard. It can be challenging enough to afford the monthly rent, but the rise in energy costs has been particularly impactful as people face the daily dilemma over what to prioritise, health and comfort in your own home or one or more of the many other financial demands that you might face.   Dealing with [...]

The law is very clear regarding a landlord’s responsibilities to provide a safe and comfortable home for their tenants, but when it comes to communal areas of a council or housing association property, many people can become confused. However, in general, the law applies much the same. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 a landlord will be breaching a contract if a rented property is not fit for human habitation due to a disrepair issue. And in [...]

The process of moving home is one of the most stressful life events we encounter, and even if you are moving into rented accommodation, rather than buying a property outright, there is a lot to think about. The financial side of it requires new arrangements and considerations, while you also need to have all your belongings packed and ready to go on a specific date. The move could be the first home of your own, or may be the first [...]

Our natural inclination when warm weather hits is to open windows and let fresh air in, or to utilise ventilation systems in the home. Creating a comfortable environment in the warm summer months is essential for everyday living, but also impacts on health and sleep quality, and suitable ventilation in the home is a requirement for that. Opening a window might feel like the easiest and simplest thing to many people, but unfortunately such a straightforward option isn’t always a [...]

Mould is one of the most common causes of a housing disrepair issue and can be a very difficult thing for a tenant to live with. There are many different types of mould, such as penetrating mould and rising damp, and probably the most common way to develop mould in a rented property is through condensation. If left to get worse, mould can have a damaging effect on the structure of the property and can be very difficult to live [...]

As a tenant in a council property, it can be distressing when a repair issue arises. This can cause discomfort for you and your family and you can spend considerable time and money trying to rectify the issue. Some minor repair issues can be dealt with easily, but bigger problems, such as cracks in walls and ceilings, are much more significant in terms of the impact on you as a tenant and also in terms of getting the issue rectified. [...]

For many people spring is their favourite season of the year, because it comes with a huge sense of positivity. The weather starts to change and we can begin opening the doors and windows a little more and uncovering our garden furniture ready for the summer months and enjoying our outdoor space. But as we do this we should also assess our rented property to establish what damage the harsh winter weather has caused.  When the cold, dark nights seem [...]

After being introduced to parliament in July 2023, Awaab’s Law will finally come into force in October 2025, and will bring vast change to the social renting sector in terms of providing better protection for tenants facing issues with damp and mould.   Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 just after his second birthday. His death was the result of a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in the home he shared with his parents [...]

In most cases the relationship between a tenant and a landlord is a pleasant and functional one, but it can become complicated when issues arise, such as payment arrears and disrepair problems. There are many laws and regulations surrounding the landlord and tenant relationship and these largely dictate who is responsible for certain elements of the tenancy, and which will be detailed in your tenancy agreement. It is important that you refer to this agreement, but also that you understand [...]