Renting a home: deposits, tenancy agreements and your rights

Before you rent in England, know your basic rights. Your tenancy deposit is capped at five weeks' rent (for most tenancies) and the landlord must protect it in a government-approved deposit scheme within 30 days and tell you which one - otherwise they can owe you compensation. Insist on a written tenancy agreement and read it before signing. Landlords must check your right to rent (your eVisa share code covers this), give you a gas safety certificate, an energy performance certificate and the official How to Rent guide, and keep the property safe and in repair. They cannot evict you without proper notice and a court order, and they must not enter without reasonable notice. Never pay cash for a property you have not viewed, and get receipts for everything. If problems arise, contact your council or Shelter for free advice.