Housing

Your rights as a tenant, repairs, deposits, council tax and help if you might lose your home.

If you might lose your home

If you could lose your home in the next 56 days, ask the council for help now. They must try to stop you becoming homeless.
If you have nowhere to stay tonight, go to the council or phone them. Families with children should get help with somewhere to stay.
Take your ID, your tenancy agreement and any letters with you. Your immigration status can affect the help you get, so ask for advice too.
Do not leave just because a landlord tells you to. Get advice first. Shelter: 0808 800 4444

Your landlord must fix the heating, hot water, electrics and damp. They must have the gas checked every year and give you the safety certificate.
Tell your landlord in writing, by text or email, and keep photos. Give them a reasonable time to fix it, usually 14 days.
If nothing happens, report it to the council’s private housing team. They can inspect your home and order the landlord to do the work.
Your landlord cannot evict you for complaining about repairs. Since May 2026 they need a legal reason to end your tenancy.

Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-approved protection scheme within 30 days, and give you the details in writing.
Take photos of every room when you move in and when you leave. This helps you get your deposit back.
If your deposit is not protected, get advice. A court can order the landlord to pay you compensation. GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection

Every home pays council tax. The adults who live there usually pay it, including tenants. Tell the council when you move in or out.
If you are the only adult in the home, you get 25% off. You must ask the council for it.
If your income is low, apply for Council Tax Support. It is not automatic, even if you get Universal Credit.
If you fall behind, contact the council straight away. They can agree a payment plan you can afford.

On the day you move in, take photos of the gas and electricity meters and tell the suppliers your readings.
In West Yorkshire, water comes from Yorkshire Water. Ask about their help schemes if you are on a low income.
If you have a prepayment meter and run out of credit, ask the supplier for emergency credit.