Private renting money disputes

You have certain rights when it comes to your rent and deposit.

Rent disputes

Most tenancy agreements in the private sector are assured shorthold tenancies and landlords are able to charge a market rent. This is the typical rate for rents in an area.

The rules for rent increases often depend on what type of tenancy you have and if your tenancy is for a fixed-term or periodic. The Shelter website has further guidance on rent increases.

If you feel that the rent is being increased excessively above the market rent in your area, you may be able to apply to challenge the increase at the first-tier tribunal property chamber (Shelter). If the rent increase is not excessive of the market rent in your area you may have to accept the increase if you want to stay in your home. You could try and negotiate with your landlord to agree a lower rent or to increase the rent in stages over a period of time.

Deposit disputes

Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007. 

If you’re disputing the payment of your deposit with your landlord, then your deposit will be protected in the TDP scheme until the issue is sorted out.  You can use a tenancy deposit protection scheme's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service to help you resolve a dispute. There is no cost to you or your landlord and their decision is final.

If you don’t rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord can accept a deposit however it won’t be protected by a scheme. You may find Shelter's letter templates useful when requesting the return of any deposit.  

You may be able to take court action if your landlord refuses to return all or part of your deposit. Court action should be a last resort. Visit the Shelter website for further guidance on court action.