UK Landlord Responsibilities: What You Must Know as a Student Renter

When you sign a lease in the UK, your landlord, the person or company that owns the property you’re renting. Also known as the property owner, it’s legally required to keep your home safe, clean, and in good repair. Too many students assume their landlord will just fix things when they break—but that’s not how it works. The law spells out exactly what they must do, and you need to know it before you move in.

Your deposit, the money you pay upfront to secure your rental. Also known as security deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of you paying it. If your landlord doesn’t do this, you can claim up to three times the deposit back—and they can’t evict you until they fix it. And don’t let them say, "It’s just a handshake deal." That’s not legal. You also have the right to a gas safety certificate, a yearly check that proves the gas appliances in your home are safe to use, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a rating that shows how energy-efficient your home is. If they don’t give you these, you’re not just being picky—you’re protecting your health and your wallet.

Repairs are another big one. If your boiler breaks, your windows are broken, or there’s mould growing on the walls, your landlord has to fix it. Not you. Not your housemates. Them. You don’t need to beg. Just send a written request (email or text counts), keep a copy, and give them a reasonable time to respond. If they ignore you, you can report them to your local council’s housing team. And if pests like mice or cockroaches show up? That’s their problem too—especially if it’s due to poor maintenance, not your mess. You’re not paying rent to live in a rat-infested flat.

They can’t just walk in. Ever. Not even to "check the boiler." They need at least 24 hours’ notice, and you can say no. You’re not a guest—you’re a tenant. And if they try to charge you for normal wear and tear—like faded paint or scuffed floors—that’s illegal. Your deposit can only be withheld for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or missing items you agreed to take responsibility for. No vague "cleaning fees" unless you left the place filthy.

These rules apply whether you’re in a shared house in Manchester, a flat in Edinburgh, or a studio in Cardiff. The law doesn’t change based on your uni. And if you’re an international student? Same rights. You’re protected under UK tenancy law, no matter your visa or nationality.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve dealt with bad landlords, fought for deposits, handled repairs, and figured out how to spot a scam before signing anything. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually works when you’re stuck in a rental that feels more like a trap than a home.