Help for landlords and tenants
Help for tenants
Tenants – find out about the Renters’ Rights Act and what your landlord’s legal obligations are.
Help for landlords
Help to let your property
If you are a landlord with a house or flat to rent, you could let it through White Horse Lettings – our service dedicated to helping low income families stay in the local area.
Property licensing
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) needs a licence if it is occupied by five or more people who are not all members of the same household. See our mandatory licensing page for more details.
Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Right Act introduced new rights and responsibilities for landlords, letting agents and tenants. Find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act and how it impacts landlords.
Repair obligations
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for keeping the following in good repair:
- The structure and exterior of the property (including walls, roof, windows and doors)
- Sanitary installations, such as basins, sinks, baths and toilets
- Heating systems and hot water installations
Gas safety requirements
Landlords must:
- Arrange a gas safety check every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Provide tenants with a Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check
- Supply new tenants with the latest Gas Safety Record before they move in
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Electrical safety requirements
Landlords must:
- Ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every 5 years
- Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Provide a copy of the report to tenants and, on request, to the local authority
Non-compliance may lead to enforcement action by the Private Sector Housing Team.
Fire safety of furniture and furnishings
Any furniture supplied in the property must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988.
Landlords should ensure all items meet required fire resistance standards. Concerns about non-compliant items may be referred to Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards.
Addressing property condition and hazards
Landlords are expected to:
- Respond promptly when tenants report issues
- Take reasonable and timely steps to resolve defects
Local authorities can intervene where:
- A significant hazard is identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- There is evidence that a landlord has failed to take appropriate action.
You can view the Landlord guide to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) here. The council usually expects tenants to have reported issues to the landlord first.
Tenant deposits
Deposit disputes must be handled through a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme:
Letting agents
Letting agents should be registered with one of two government-approved redress schemes:
Contact us - Private Sector Housing
01235 422436
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialling)
Vale of White Horse District Council
Private Sector Housing Team
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
