Our payment system will be unavailable on Tuesday 20 May between 9:30am and 4:30pm for an essential upgrade. During this time, you cannot make payments on our website or over the phone. Payments by bank transfer, standing order and Direct Debit are unaffected.
Council telephone systems
We are moving to a new telephone system. This may cause some initial issues and disruption to calls while it is being set up. If you have any issues, you may wish to call back at another time. We appreciate your patience whilst the new system is implemented and apologise for any disruption that you may experience.
Housing advice for private tenants
Find out more about the renting process and your rights as a tenant.
At the start of your tenancy
If you are a private tenant, or looking to move into the private rented sector, your landlord or letting agent will have certain responsibilities they’re expected to fulfil.
Before renting a room, they are legally required to check your immigration status and the status of any adults living with you. This is called a ‘Right to Rent’ check.
Unless you are a lodger (that is where you are renting a room in home where your landlord also lives), at the start of the tenancy your landlord or letting agent must give you the following:
If you are an Assured Shorthold Tenant, your landlord or letting agent cannot hold your deposit. This must be held in one of three a government approved ‘Deposit Protection Schemes’.
If you have paid a deposit and it hasn’t been protected in this way:
Your landlord or letting agent must tell you when and how your rent should be paid. If you pay your rent weekly, they must provide you with a rent book.
There are rules on rent increases, which must be followed. These will vary depending on the type of tenancy you have.
Your landlord or letting agent is legally required to allow you to enjoy living in your home without unnecessary interference.
They should not let themselves into your home without permission. Neither should they harass you or make it difficult for you to live in your home.
If you believe your landlord or letting agent is harassing you, including asking you to leave without appropriate valid notice, contact our housing options team by emailing housing.advice@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 294 400.
You can also contact Sussex Police if you feel you are being harassed.