Tower Hamlets Private Renters' Charter
This charter sets out standards the law demands from all private landlords and agents. If you rent a room, a flat or a house in Tower Hamlets, the council and every organisation signed up to the charter aims to make sure that your landlord meets those standards.
Follow the linked headings to find out your rights and how to take action if your landlord or agent doesn’t meet the charter’s standards.
Charter standards
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Does your landlord share a bathroom, kitchen or living room with you? Know your rights.
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Your landlord must have the necessary permission to rent.
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It’s your home, not your landlord’s. Your landlord can’t harass you or visit when it’s not convenient.
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It is against the law to discriminate against you
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You should have a written tenancy agreement showing all the information you need.
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Your home must be safe, and your landlord must make repairs to its structure in reasonable time.
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Tenant fees have been banned since June 2019.
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Your tenancy must be fair and understandable. You shouldn’t be hit with surprise fees.
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Your home should be free from damp and mould problems.
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Is your money going to be safe with your agent?
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Within 30 days your landlord must prove to you that they have protected your deposit
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Your home must have a working smoke alarm on every floor.
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Your agent’s complaints scheme must be displayed clearly.
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Your rent should not go up during the fixed period of your tenancy.
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The wiring and any electrical items supplied with your home must be safe.
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Your landlord or agent must give you the latest version government’s ‘How to Rent’ booklet
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Your landlord must follow a strict legal process if they want you to move out. If you can’t move out, get advice now.
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If you have gas, your landlord must give you a valid gas safety certificate when you move in - and then every year
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No one wants unexpected visitors in their home. Here's our advise for pest control.
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Charter Standards
Most landlords and agents in Tower Hamlets already meet these legal standards. If your landlord or agent does not, you can contact any of the organisations signed up to the Charter. We all promise to find the best way to improve your situation - and the most effective action to take against landlords or agents who break the rules.
- Account 3 – Birkbeck Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6JY
- Bromley by Bow Centre - St Leonards Street, Bromley by Bow, E3 3BT, Tel: 020 8709 9700
- Citizen's Advice Bureau – 32 Greatorex Street, Whitechapel, E1 5NP, Tel: 020 7247 1050
- Legal Advice Centre - 104 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, E2 0RN, Tel: 020 8980 4205
- Praxis Community Projects - Pott Street, Bethnal Green, E2 0EF; Tel: 020 7729 7985
- Shelter - Call Shelter’s London Public Advice Line to find your local advisor.
If you’re under 25: 0330 053 6091. If you’re over 25: 0344 515 1540
- Tower Hamlets Law Centre - 789 Commercial Road, E14 7HG, Tel: 020 7538 4909
- Toynbee Hall - 52 Old Castle Street, Spitalfields, E1 7AJ, Tel: 020 7392 2953
- Housing Options – Private Housing Advice Service, Albert Jacob House, 62 Roman Road, E2 0PG; Tel 020 7364 3558
Tower Hamlets Private Renters’ Charter is endorsed and backed by the following organisations. They all are committed to making sure that private renters live in homes that are safe and secure, and that landlords and agents treat tenants fairly under the law.
- ARLA Propertymark
- Deposit Protection Scheme
- Generation Rent
- My Deposit
- Ombudsman Services
- Renters' Rights
- Residential Landlords Association
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme
- The Property Ombudsman