Tenants' rights and duties
When you rent a home, your landlord must keep it safe, well-maintained, and suitable to live in. Tenants are responsible for the general upkeep of the property and ensuring rent is paid on time.
Pay your rent on time
You must pay your rent on time, as agreed with your landlord. Speak with your landlord if you are struggling to pay rent on time. You can also visit the Government’s Money Helper website for details on support and how to speak with your landlord.
- If you continue to miss payments or pay rent late, your landlord may charge you a fee or even evict you.
- If you have an issue with your landlord or the property, then you still need to pay your full rent. If you purposely stop paying rent, you may be charged a fee or face a Section 8 eviction notice. If you have a dispute with your landlord but have had no response, report this to Private Sector Housing via privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk.
Shelter and Citizens Advice both offer advice on rent arrears.
To learn more about your rent rights, visit Shelter’s website for advice on rent increases.
Look after the property
You have the right to live in a home that is safe and free from hazards. Your landlord is responsible for most repairs. You are still expected to look after the property where you are able to. Typically this means you must:
- Take care of the home such as locking doors and windows when you leave.
- Replace lightbulbs.
- Change smoke alarm batteries.
- Keep the property clean and tidy.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage in the event of disrepair, such as turning the water supply off in the event of a burst pipe.
Report repairs and safety concerns
Tell your landlord about repairs if there is an issue with the property. You can call or tell them in person, but it is best to follow up with a written text or email to confirm the issue.
See our How to troubleshoot issues page for further information.
When to give your landlord access to the property
Your landlord will occasionally need to visit the property for essential checks and repairs, including:
- annual gas safety checks
- routine inspections every six months
- inspections if you have reported disrepair.
Completing these checks will help ensure your home is safe, so you should allow your landlord to enter.
Your landlord must give 24 hours’ written notice before visiting the property. If you refuse entry without a valid reason, you could be breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement.
You have the right to quiet enjoyment, and your landlord cannot enter without explicit permission unless there is an emergency. Learn more about your tenancy rights and your right to quiet enjoyment (shelter.org.uk).
If your landlord does not respect your quiet enjoyment, report it to our private sector housing team.
Respect your neighbours
Be respectful to your neighbours and avoid causing problems for people in your neighbourhood. Anti-social behaviour is any action that causes alarm, harassment, or distress to another person. This includes:
- playing excessively loud music, especially late at night
- threatening, harassing, or intimidating people
- damaging property or shared spaces
- fly-tipping or disposing of waste incorrectly.
If anti-social behaviour is causing you distress, report it to our Anti-Social Behaviour team. If you wish to remain anonymous, please state this when you make a report.
Follow the terms of your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement states your responsibilities while renting. It is important that you have read and understand your tenancy agreement. If you are unsure about any terms in your tenancy agreement, seek legal advice before signing.
If you have concerns about your tenancy agreement, visit Shelter’s website to check your tenancy agreement.
What to do if you get an eviction notice
If you have been sent an eviction notice, view our Housing Options Service's advice.
If you have been threatened, intimidated or illegally evicted by your landlord, please contact privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk. You can also seek legal advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.