Advice for Private Tenants

The vast majority of private sector landlords are responsible and fair but we do recognise that sometimes problems may occur. Even though you don't live in a council property,  if you are experiencing trouble with your landlord, the council may still be able to help you. Here are some examples of how.

Protection from eviction
Malvern Hills District Council has legal powers under the Protection from Eviction Act of 1977. If you believe you have been harassed or illegally evicted contact us as your landlord may have acted illegally. We will investigate your situation and try to mediate between all parties where this is possible. If necessary we do have the power to bring about a prosecution.

Landlord obligations
Landlords have responsibilities towards their tenants under the law for example, to provide rent books, giving tenants full information on service charges and insurances etc. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended) gives councils the power to prosecute landlords who have not met their obligations under this legislation. If we receive a complaint in most cases we will require the landlord to change his/her practice and provide the required documentation / information. However if a landlord persists in not complying with the law we may consider a prosecution.

Providing essential utilities
The council has a power under Section 33 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, to act on your behalf if you are threatened with losing, or you have already lost, your gas, electricity or water supplies because of something your landlord has done by failing to pay bills for instance.

However the council will act only as a last resort for emergency cases and then only when young children or elderly persons are affected. In addition we will only make arrangements with the suppliers which do not involve financial liability falling upon the council. But we will co-operate closely with the suppliers and wherever possible try to get the suppliers' support and assistance.

Further information can be found by contacting Customer Services

or by visiting the Citizens Advice Centre - Private Sector Tenancies web site.