Author: Contend Legal
How to Swap Council or Housing Association Homes: A Simple Guide
Introduction to Home Swaps A home swap, also known as a mutual exchange, is a legal process that allows tenants of council or housing association homes to exchange properties with another tenant. This arrangement is designed for those who want to move to a different area, need a home that better suits their needs, or…
Council Housing in the UK: How to Apply, Rights, and Key Options
What is Council Housing? Council housing is a form of affordable rented accommodation provided by local councils across the UK. These homes are owned and managed by the local authority, which acts as the landlord. The main purpose of council housing is to offer secure and reasonably priced homes to people who might struggle to…
Types of Tenancies: Legal Overview for Renters and Landlords in the UK
Introduction to Types of Tenancies When you rent a home in the UK, the type of tenancy agreement you have plays a crucial role in shaping your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord. A tenancy agreement is a legal contract that sets out the terms of your rental, including how long you can…
Renting With Pets in the UK: Your Rights and Landlord Rules Explained
Understanding Your Rights When Renting With Pets Renting a home with a pet in the UK can be challenging, as the law does not automatically grant tenants the right to keep animals in rental properties. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial for maintaining a positive, pet-friendly tenancy and avoiding potential disputes with your…
Know Your Rights: How to Spot and Challenge Rental Discrimination
What is Rental Discrimination? Rental discrimination happens when a landlord or letting agent treats someone unfairly because of certain personal characteristics that are protected by law. In the UK, these protected characteristics are set out in the Equality Act 2010, which aims to ensure everyone has fair access to housing. Protected characteristics under UK law…
Tenant Rights in the UK: Legal Overview
Understanding Tenant Rights in the UK Understanding your rights as a tenant is essential when renting a home in the UK. These rights are designed to protect you throughout your tenancy, ensuring that you have a safe, secure, and fair place to live. Key legislation, such as the Housing Act 1988 and the Tenant Fees…
Who Can Inherit a Tenancy? Your Rights to Succeed a Rental in the UK
What is Tenancy Succession? Tenancy succession is the legal process that allows someone to take over a tenancy when the original tenant dies or, in some cases, leaves the property permanently. This means that the new person – often a close family member or partner – can continue living in the home under the same…
Key Things Every UK Tenancy Agreement Should Include
Introduction to Tenancy Agreements A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms and conditions for renting residential property in the UK. Its main purpose is to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both parties, helping to prevent misunderstandings and disputes during the tenancy. While…
Breach of Tenancy Agreement: Common Issues, Consequences and Solutions
What is a Breach of Tenancy Agreement? A breach of tenancy agreement happens when either the tenant or the landlord fails to follow the terms set out in the tenancy contract. In simple terms, it means one party has not done something they promised to do, or has done something the agreement specifically forbids. Importantly,…
Tenancy Agreements: Legal Overview for Renters and Landlords
Introduction to Tenancy Agreements A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant, setting out the terms and conditions for renting a property in the UK. It outlines key details such as the rent amount, length of tenancy, and the responsibilities of both parties. Having a tenancy agreement in place is…
