Landlord Toolkit: Preventing homelessness in Walsall - 5. Renters' rights - a quick guide for landlords
This quick guide highlights the key rights tenants have and the core responsibilities landlords must meet when renting property in Walsall. Meeting these responsibilities helps landlords stay legally compliant, prevent disputes, and maintain good quality tenancies.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, financial penalties, or limits on regaining possession.
Landlords must ensure:
Safe and well maintained homes
- Properties are safe, secure, and free from serious hazards
- Structure and exterior are kept in good repair
- Gas, electricity, heating, hot water, and sanitation are safe and working
- Hazards such as damp, mould, excess cold, fire risks and trip hazards are addressed promptly
Respect for tenants’ homes
- Tenants can live without harassment, intimidation, or pressure
- No lock changes, utility cut offs, or interference with belongings
- Entry only with permission and at least 24 hours’ notice (except emergencies)
Harassment and unlawful eviction are criminal offences.
Correct legal processes
- Correct notice is served for the tenancy type
- Full notice periods are followed
- A court order is obtained before eviction
- Evictions are carried out by authorised enforcement agents only
Deposits and fair charges
- Deposits are protected in a government approved scheme
- Prescribed information is provided
- Deposits are returned fairly, with evidenced deductions only
- Rent and charges are clear and no prohibited fees are charged
Required information at tenancy start
- Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable)
- Electrical Safety Report
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Government “How to Rent” guide
- Written tenancy agreement
Missing documents may affect a landlord’s ability to regain possession.
Additional responsibilities for HMOs
- Adequate fire safety and escape measures
- Sufficient kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Proper waste arrangements
- Correct HMO licence held where required
Operating an unlicensed HMO is a serious offence.
Fair and equal treatment
- Tenants are treated fairly and without discrimination
- Letting criteria are applied consistently
- Reasonable adjustments are considered where required
Resolving problems early
- Concerns are addressed promptly
- Tenants and agents are engaged constructively
- Advice is sought early if issues arise
Early resolution reduces complaints and enforcement.
Landlord compliance checklist
Use this checklist to confirm you are meeting your responsibilities:
- Property is safe and free from serious hazards
- Gas and electrical safety checks are up to date
- Repairs are dealt with promptly
- Deposit protected correctly (if taken)
- All required documents provided at tenancy start
- Legal notice and eviction processes followed
- HMO licence held where required
- Tenants treated fairly and respectfully
- Records kept of inspections, repairs, and communication