Your Guide to Hassle-Free Renting
At Nicholas Humphreys, we aim to make your renting experience simple, supported and transparent. Whether you are moving in, managing your tenancy or getting ready to move out, our expert agents are here to help.
Below are answers to common questions from tenants, updated to reflect the latest Renters Rights Act 2025. (Please note that the Renters’ Rights Act is being implemented in 2026, in phases.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I report a repair or maintenance issue in my rental home?
You can report a repair or maintenance issue by contacting your local branch. For urgent problems like leaks or heating failures, call immediately for quick assistance.
2. What counts as an emergency repair in a rented property?
Emergencies include gas leaks, electrical faults, major water leaks, or a complete loss of heating during cold weather. These situations are considered urgent and should be addressed as quickly as possible.
3. How long will repairs take to be completed?
Urgent repairs are usually attended to within 24 hours. Other repairs are arranged within a few working days, depending on the issue and contractor availability.
4. Can I make small changes to my rented home?
You need written permission from your landlord before decorating, painting or adding fixtures. We review all requests fairly and reply quickly.
5. Can I keep a pet in my rented property under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
You may ask to keep a pet, and the landlord must consider the request reasonably. They can only refuse for a valid reason. While a landlord cannot require you to take out pet-damage insurance as a condition of consent, they may include reasonable terms relating to pet ownership in the tenancy agreement.
6. What type of tenancy do I have under the new Renters' Rights Act?
The Act replaces fixed-term tenancies with periodic tenancies. This means your tenancy runs indefinitely until you decide to leave or the landlord ends it on legal grounds.
7. Can my landlord evict me without reason?
No. The Renters Rights Act removes Section 21 no-fault evictions. A landlord must have a legal reason and provide the correct notice before requesting that you leave.
8. How often can rent be increased in a tenancy?
Rent can only be increased once a year, and landlords are required to provide written notice. You can challenge any increase that exceeds the local market rent.
9. Where is my tenancy deposit kept?
Your deposit is held safely in a government-approved protection scheme. This ensures it is returned fairly when your tenancy comes to an end.
10. When will my deposit be returned after I move out?
Once the property inspection is complete and there are no unpaid bills or damage, your deposit will be returned through the deposit protection scheme.
11. How do I end my tenancy agreement?
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, notice periods can vary depending on individual circumstances and tenancy type. It’s best to speak with your local letting agent for guidance on your specific situation.
12. Who pays for gas, electricity and other household bills?
Unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise, tenants pay for utilities such as gas, electricity, water, broadband and council tax.
13. What safety checks does my landlord need to carry out?
Your home must meet the Decent Homes Standard upon the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and have valid gas, electrical and fire safety certificates. Nicholas Humphreys ensures all legal checks are kept up to date.
14. How can I make a complaint about my landlord or letting agent?
If you have a problem that cannot be resolved directly, you can contact the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or your local council’s housing team after the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.
15. How can I get help with maintenance or tenancy issues outside office hours?
For help outside office hours, contact your local branch using the out-of-hours details. For serious emergencies, such as major leaks or loss of heating, call immediately for assistance.
Support When You Need It
At Nicholas Humphreys, we provide clear, reliable support from move-in to move-out. If you cannot find the answer you need here, contact your nearest branch and our local estate agents will be happy to assist.