At Currington & Co Solicitors, we know that navigating the complex web of landlord and tenant law in Leeds can feel overwhelming—whether you’re a seasoned property investor or renting your first flat. The law is full of nuances, obligations, and potential pitfalls that could trip you up if you’re not fully informed.
This guide is here to help both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under current UK housing legislation, with specific attention to how these laws apply in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Why It Matters
Property disputes often arise not out of malice, but from misunderstanding. A landlord may not realise they’re responsible for a particular repair. A tenant may assume they can redecorate without permission. Left unresolved, these issues can escalate quickly—leading to formal complaints, rent arrears, evictions, or costly legal proceedings.
By taking a proactive approach and understanding what the law expects of you, you can protect your interests and maintain healthy, respectful landlord-tenant relationships.
For Landlords: Your Legal Duties Explained
1. Tenancy Agreements Must Be Legally Sound
It’s vital that landlords use a professionally drafted tenancy agreement—usually an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) for most residential lettings in Leeds. This document sets the framework for the tenancy, including:
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Rent amount and payment schedule
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Duration of tenancy
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Grounds for eviction
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Responsibilities for repairs and maintenance
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Any house rules or restrictions
DIY contracts downloaded online often fall short of legal standards or miss clauses that can protect you in the event of a dispute.
2. Deposit Protection Schemes (DPS)
Under the Housing Act 2004, any deposit taken from a tenant must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days. You must also provide the tenant with:
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Prescribed information about the scheme
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Confirmation of where their deposit is held
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Details of how they can dispute deductions
Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to three times the deposit amount and may invalidate any attempt to evict the tenant via a Section 21 notice.
3. Maintaining the Property
As a landlord, you’re legally obliged to keep the property in a safe and habitable condition. This includes:
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Ensuring gas and electrical systems are safe
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Providing working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
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Repairing the structure of the property and key systems (e.g., heating, water supply)
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Managing issues like damp, leaks, or infestations promptly
If a landlord neglects these duties, tenants can escalate the issue to the local council or apply for a Rent Repayment Order.
4. Right to Rent Checks
You must check that tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK, by verifying documents such as passports, biometric residence permits or visas.
Although controversial, these checks are mandatory, and failure to comply can lead to hefty fines or even criminal sanctions.
5. Licensing Requirements in Leeds
Some properties in Leeds, especially Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), require a licence. This applies if:
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The property is let to five or more people from different households
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Facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms are shared
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It meets the criteria set by Leeds City Council
Operating without a valid HMO licence can lead to civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence.
For Tenants: Understanding Your Rights
1. A Safe and Secure Place to Live
Every tenant has the right to live in a property that is structurally sound, safe, and free from serious hazards. This includes:
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Functional heating and plumbing
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No exposed wiring or broken appliances
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Mould or damp not caused by tenant neglect
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, you can take your landlord to court if your home is unfit for habitation.
2. Quiet Enjoyment of the Property
You are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of your home. That means your landlord cannot:
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Enter the property without at least 24 hours’ written notice (except in emergencies)
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Harass you or interfere with your day-to-day living
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Change the locks or attempt eviction without a court order
Any breach of this right may constitute illegal eviction or harassment—both criminal offences.
3. Protection from Unfair Eviction
Your landlord must follow a strict legal process if they wish to end your tenancy. This involves:
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Serving a valid Section 21 (no-fault) or Section 8 (breach-based) notice
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Waiting the appropriate notice period
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Applying to the court for a possession order if you don’t leave voluntarily
You cannot be evicted without a court order and a bailiff’s warrant. If this happens to you, seek legal advice immediately.
4. Fair Treatment and Freedom from Discrimination
Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords cannot discriminate based on race, religion, sex, disability, or other protected characteristics. This includes:
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Refusing to let a property based on prejudice
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Making offensive comments or applying different rules to different tenants
If you believe you’ve been a victim of discrimination, you may have grounds to take legal action.
Joint Obligations and Grey Areas
Some responsibilities are shared, and it’s important to clarify these in the tenancy agreement to avoid disputes.
Repairs vs. Damage
Landlords must deal with general wear and tear—worn carpets, faded paint, loose door handles.
Tenants, however, are responsible for:
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Keeping the property reasonably clean
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Repairing any damage they (or their guests) cause
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Reporting problems promptly
Utility Bills and Council Tax
In most private tenancies, tenants are responsible for:
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Gas and electric bills
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Internet and water rates
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Council tax (unless otherwise agreed)
Check your tenancy agreement—especially in HMOs or student housing where some bills might be included.
How Currington & Co Can Help
At Currington & Co Solicitors, we specialise in landlord and tenant law throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a landlord trying to recover rent arrears, or a tenant facing an unlawful eviction, our experienced legal team is here to guide you.
We provide:
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Tenancy agreement drafting and review
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Eviction and possession proceedings support
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Advice on deposit disputes and repairs
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Representation in tribunal or court settings
Our goal is always to resolve matters amicably where possible, but we’re not afraid to act decisively when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, here are some traps that frequently land clients in hot water:
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Not putting tenancy agreements in writing
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Withholding rent for disrepair without seeking advice
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Failing to register a deposit properly
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Attempting DIY evictions
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Overstepping legal entry rights
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Not seeking legal advice early enough
Most of these issues are avoidable with proper preparation, communication, and legal guidance.
Landlord and tenant law is constantly evolving. From shifting eviction rules during the pandemic to new energy efficiency standards on the horizon, keeping up to date is essential.
At Currington & Co, we believe prevention is better than cure. That’s why we encourage both landlords and tenants to understand their legal footing, communicate openly, and seek advice before problems escalate.
If you have a concern about a tenancy matter in Leeds—whether you’re facing difficulties with a tenant or experiencing issues as a renter—don’t wait until the situation worsens.
Need expert legal help with a tenancy issue in Leeds?
Contact Currington & Co Solicitors today for a confidential consultation.