Know your rights
On 1 May 2026, the law for private renting changed.
Your rights include protections around evictions, rent increases, fixed-term tenancies and more.
Read Renters Rights Act - information for tenants.
Is your landlord refusing to do repairs?
Reporting other problems with a private landlord
You can report a problem to us if your landlord or agent is:
- offering a fixed term tenancy
- not putting your rent amount in writing
- refusing a pet request
- trying to evict you without proper grounds, or end your tenancy verbally
- encouraging renters to bid for a property
- demanding too much rent upfront or raising rent unlawfully
- committing HMO or licensing offences. (HMO means “house in multiple occupation”. It’s a home where three or more people from different households share facilities.)
Get advice about your rights
Worried about homelessness? Get help if you are at risk of losing your home.
If your landlord doesn’t come up to standard, get advice straight away.
Shelter can help when:
- your tenancy deposit is not protected
- you don’t have a tenancy or renting agreement, or you don’t understand it
- your landlord or their agent is harassing you
- your landlord is trying to evict you
- you need to complain about a letting agent.
Students
If you are a student renting with an agent, see the Manchester student homes website.