As a private tenant you have the right to:

• information about your tenancy including a copy of any tenancy agreement and the landlord's details
• live in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair
• live in the property undisturbed (and have at least 24 hours’ notice of a visit to inspect or repair the property at reasonable hours, unless there is an emergency which means immediate access is required)
• have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends and in some circumstances have it placed under a protection scheme
• see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property 
• have notice for any alterations in rent    
• if you pay your rent weekly your landlord is required to provide a rent book
• protection from unfair eviction   

If you fail to pay rent or breach other terms of your tenancy agreement your rights as a tenant can be affected.

There are different types of tenancy agreements – which determine more specific rights you have (such as how the tenancy can be ended).

Whether or not a tenancy agreement is in place, landlords and tenants still have certain rights and obligations under housing legislation. 

There are certain rights that remain even if the tenancy agreement states otherwise (for example your tenancy agreement cannot usually stipulate you are responsible for repairing the structure of the property).

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