A simplified guide to the protections you’re entitled to in 2025

Renting a home should be straightforward, but too often tenants aren’t quite sure where they stand when something goes wrong. Whether you’re about to sign a new tenancy agreement or have lived in your place for years, knowing your rights can make all the difference.

This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you the essentials: what to expect, what to ask, and what to challenge if things aren’t quite right.

Your deposit: Where it should be, and what to expect
If you’ve paid a deposit, your landlord is legally required to register it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days. This keeps your money safe and ensures it can’t be unfairly withheld at the end of your tenancy.

You should also receive:

• Confirmation of which scheme your deposit is in.
• Prescribed information (a legal document outlining how the deposit is protected).
• A copy of the ‘How to Rent’ guide from GOV.UK.

If you didn’t get these, ask your landlord or letting agent—they are required to provide them.

Repairs and responsibilities: Who does what?

Your landlord is responsible for:

• The structure and exterior of the property.
• Boilers, pipes, radiators, and gas appliances.
• Electrical wiring.
• Bathrooms and kitchens (where fixtures are broken or unsafe).

You, as a tenant, are expected to:

• Keep the property clean and report issues promptly.
• Avoid damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
• Test smoke alarms regularly.

Tenant tip: Always report repairs in writing, even if you call first. This creates a useful record and helps avoid disputes.

Can I be evicted without reason?
Currently, yes—if your tenancy is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) and you’re out of the fixed term, a landlord can serve a Section 21 notice without stating a reason. But the upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill will change this, ending no-fault evictions and moving to fairer, more transparent processes.

In the meantime, any notice must still give you at least two months’ warning and follow correct procedures.

Quiet enjoyment: It’s a legal right
Your landlord can’t drop in unannounced. Legally, they must give you at least 24 hours’ notice to enter the property, except in an emergency. This right to privacy is known as the right to “quiet enjoyment,” and it’s protected in law.

The best tenancies are built on clarity and respect from both sides. When you understand your rights, you’re not being difficult—you’re being informed. This leads to better communication, quicker resolutions, and a more positive rental experience all round.

Need clarity on your rights? Ask us anything.

In a rental market where tenants are choosy and expectations are rising, keeping your property in top shape isn’t just about appearances—it’s about retention. Tenants today are staying longer, viewing their tenancy as more than a stopgap. So, when was the last time your rental had a thoughtful refresh?

Unlike a full renovation, a smart refresh is about recognising the right time and scale for improvements that pay you back in tenant loyalty and reduced voids.

The subtle signals you shouldn’t ignore
It’s often the soft clues: tenants becoming less responsive at renewal, shorter tenancy periods, or frequent small repair requests. These can indicate your property is beginning to feel ‘tired’. An annual ‘tenant eye’ walkthrough—walking the property as if viewing it afresh—can reveal issues you’ve grown blind to.

Where value meets impact
Not all upgrades carry the same weight. Invest where improvements are most visible and emotionally felt. Examples include:

• Swap a dated kitchen tap for a sleek, brushed metal mixer.
• Repaint faded hallways in fresh, neutral tones.
• Upgrade dim lighting to bright, warm LEDs.

Quick wins that delight

• Replace worn carpets with hardwearing vinyl for modern appeal and easier cleaning.
• Add USB sockets in key rooms—small tech touches feel contemporary.
• Upgrade window dressings from tired blinds to light-filtering curtains or shutters.
• Repaint front doors or communal areas in purpose-built flats—kerb appeal counts.

The psychology of pride
Tenants are more likely to respect and stay in properties they feel proud of. Even modest upgrades signal that you care, which encourages tenants to do the same. Long-term tenants often leave not because rent rises, but because the property feels stagnant. A refresh can be the reason they stay.

When not to wait
Between tenancies is your window. It’s always easier and cheaper to make changes without tenants in place. A quick-turnaround upgrade can attract longer-term residents and higher rent.

Refreshing a property doesn’t need a big budget—just a clear sense of what makes a space feel good to live in. And in today’s market, feeling good equals staying longer.

Need a refresh plan? Let’s chat today.

Understanding Your Mortgage Options

For many first-time buyers, a mortgage is the biggest financial commitment they'll make. With so many terms, figures, and options, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. You may hear about interest rates, deposit percentages, fixed or variable terms, but what do they mean and how do they impact what you can afford?

Let’s clear up some common mortgage myths and explain key terms in a way that’s easy to understand.

1. How much deposit do you need?

A common misconception is that you need a hefty 20% deposit. While a 20% deposit can secure better interest rates, it’s not always necessary.

What you need to know:

• Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5% of the property’s value.
• Lower deposits may mean higher monthly repayments and fewer favourable rates.
• Help to Buy schemes or shared ownership can help you get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit.

2. Fixed vs. variable rates

Understanding the difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages is key:

• Fixed-rate mortgage: Interest rate stays the same for a set period (2, 5, or 10 years), keeping monthly payments predictable.
• Variable-rate mortgage: Interest rate can change over time, often in line with the Bank of England base rate or lender’s standard variable rate (SVR).

What you need to know:

• Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability but may increase after the term ends.
• Variable-rate mortgages often start lower, but payments can rise if rates increase.

3. The term of your mortgage

The term refers to how long you’ll repay your mortgage, commonly 25 years.

What you need to know:

• Longer terms (30+ years) lower monthly payments but increase total interest.
• Shorter terms (15 years or less) mean higher monthly payments but less interest overall.

4. Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio

LTV is the loan amount compared to the property value. For example, buying a £200,000 property with a £40,000 deposit results in an 80% LTV.

What you need to know:

• Lower LTVs can secure better interest rates.
• Higher LTVs (e.g., 95%) may lead to higher rates and repayments.

5. The importance of affordability checks

Lenders assess not just how much you can borrow, but whether you can afford repayments, even if rates rise.

What you need to know:

• Lenders review income, outgoings, and credit score.
• They consider financial buffers for unexpected costs like job loss or interest rate increases.

6. Additional costs to consider

Beyond the deposit, remember:

• Stamp duty (tax based on property price; exemptions may apply for first-time buyers).
• Legal fees (£500–£1,500) for conveyancing services.
• Survey fees (£300–£1,500) to assess property condition.

How much can you afford?

Buying a home involves more than just mortgage repayments. Factor in deposit, mortgage terms, additional costs, and future financial stability to determine what you can afford.

Understanding your mortgage options and breaking down the jargon is key to making informed, confident decisions when purchasing your new home.

Ready to find the perfect mortgage for your new home?

Let’s explore your options and ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey.

Making an offer is a crucial moment in the home-buying journey. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but offering too much could stretch your finances, while offering too little could risk losing your dream home. Here’s how to strike the balance and make a competitive, yet fair, offer.

1. Understand the local market

If you’re buying in a seller’s market, you may need to offer closer to the asking price. In a buyer’s market, there may be more room to negotiate.

What to do: Research the local market. Check how long similar properties have been listed and the prices they’ve achieved. This helps you determine a fair and competitive offer.

2. Look at the asking price objectively

The asking price is often based on the seller’s expectations or marketing strategy, not the property’s true value.

What to do: Assess the property’s condition, location, and comparable sales (comps). If it needs work or is overpriced, consider offering less. If it’s in great shape, consider offering closer to the asking price.

3. Understand the seller’s motivation

Motivated sellers may be open to negotiation, while others may hold out for their asking price.

What to do: Ask your agent about the property’s time on the market and the seller’s situation. Properties listed for longer may be open to lower offers, while sellers needing a quick move may accept more flexible terms.

4. Be aware of competition

High demand can affect how much you need to offer to secure the property.

What to do: Ask the agent about other offers. In a bidding war, know your budget and avoid overpaying. Sometimes offering above asking is necessary, but stay within what you feel the property is worth.

5. Consider your offer strategy

How you present your offer can influence the seller, not just the number itself.

What to do: Offer a larger deposit, flexible move-in date, or a shorter closing period. These factors can make your offer more attractive, even if the price is slightly lower.

6. Leave room for negotiation

Offering your highest bid immediately leaves no flexibility for counteroffers.

What to do: Submit an offer you’re comfortable with that allows room for back-and-forth negotiations. This increases your chance of securing the property without overpaying.

Finding the right balance

Making an offer is about being competitive while staying within your budget. By understanding the market, the property, and the seller’s position, you can make a smart, fair, and strategic offer.

Ready to make an offer? Let’s ensure your bid is competitive and

aligned with your budget. Contact us for expert advice today.