Help and advice for tenants
Renters’ Rights Act – Information for private tenants
The Renters’ Right Act will give tenants new protections, and greater security and stability. Changes come into effect from 1 May 2026. Find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act and how it will affect private tenants.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985 the landlord is responsible for repairs to:
- The structure and exterior of the dwelling
- Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary installations in the dwelling
- Heating and hot water installations.
The landlord is generally not responsible for repairs arising from damage caused by the tenant or for the rebuilding of the property in the event of fire, flood or any other inevitable accident.
For more information about private renting see the How to rent – GOV.UK.
Gas safety
Landlords have a legal duty to arrange gas safety checks of all gas appliances in rented properties every year. Your landlord should provide you with your own copy of a Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check being completed. New tenants should also be given a copy of the latest record.
If you don’t have a current copy of the Gas Safety Record, ask your landlord to provide this. If they’re unable to do so, you can report this to the HSE.
Electrical safety
Landlords have a legal duty to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years. They must obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from the qualified person and provide a copy of this to their tenants, and to the local council if requested.
If you don’t have a current copy of the EICR, ask your landlord to provide this. If they’re unable to do so, you can report this to the Private Sector Housing Team.
Fire safety of furniture and furnishings
The landlord must ensure that any furniture and furnishings supplied meets the fire resistance requirements of the Furniture and Furnishing Fire Safety Regulations 1988. If your landlord provides furniture that does not comply with the regulations report it to Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards.
What can tenants do if these standards are not being met?
If you believe the property you are renting does not meet the required standards, and your landlord has not addressed issues you have reported, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Team. They can assess your concerns, carry out an investigation if necessary.
Before contacting the team, you must first report the problem to your landlord and give them a reasonable opportunity to carry out repairs. If you have not yet done this, you can download our template letter to notify your landlord of the required repairs.
Please note: the Private Sector Housing Team cannot investigate repair issues that have not been reported to the landlord. You will be asked to provide evidence that you have raised the matter with them.
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
