Council unveils Tenants’ Charter to deal with landlord disputes

North Herts Council has launched a Tenants’ Charter, designed as a resource for tenants and landlords, detailing their responsibilities and offering help with disputes.

The charter aims to guarantee that all rented properties remain safe, liveable and up to standard.

Under the charter, landlords must address tenant grievances within a fortnight — or faster in urgent cases — and rectify problems swiftly.

Compliance with housing regulations, such as fitting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where necessary, and safeguarding deposits in an approved deposit scheme, is also mandatory.

Mediate tenant-landlord disputes

For its part, the council pledges to assist tenants struggling to communicate with landlords with help in drafting correspondence.

Any tenant complaints must be handled within three working days — or sooner in emergencies.

The council also claims it will mediate tenant-landlord disputes, stepping in with enforcement measures against non-compliant landlords if required.

The council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Dave Winstanley, said: “This information isn’t new, but we have put it in a handy guide so that tenants and landlords are clear about their responsibilities.

“It also explains the council’s role to help ensure that all tenants are safe and well in rental accommodation whether they are in social housing or renting from a private landlord.”

Notify landlords of damage

For tenants, the guidance states they must notify landlords of any damage or issues in writing while retaining evidence.

It also recommends verifying that an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is supplied at the beginning of a tenancy.

The council says that poor energy ratings or inadequate heating can lead to condensation and mould growth.

There’s also advice such as ensuring tenants can manage rent payments alongside heating expenses and settling bills punctually.

Landlords are told they must maintain properties free of risks, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

They must also provide tenants with an annual Gas Safety inspection certificate.

The tenants’ charter will sit alongside legislative changes and keep all parties informed of their obligations within the private rented sector.

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