Your deposit
It must go into the DPS, mydeposits or TDS within 30 days, with the scheme details in writing. If it doesn't, a court can award you 1 to 3 times the deposit. Deposits are capped at 5 weeks' rent.
Free · 3 minutes · England
Is your landlord following the rules?
Answer a few simple questions about your rented home. We'll tell you what looks wrong, what to do about it, and whether you could be owed money back.
- No sign-up, no email
- Your answers never leave your device
- Updated for the Renters' Rights Act
What we check
These are the rules private landlords in England most often break, and the ones that can put money back in your pocket.
Banned fees
Since June 2019, fees for admin, referencing, inventories, check-in and renewals have been illegal. If you paid one, you can get it back.
Licensing
Shared homes with 5 or more people from 2 or more households need an HMO licence, and many councils license other rented homes too. Unlicensed? You could claim up to 24 months' rent back.
Safety certificates
A yearly gas safety record, an electrical report every 5 years, smoke alarms on every floor, CO alarms by boilers and fires, and an energy rating of E or better.
Rent increases
Since 1 May 2026, rent can only rise once a year, using a formal notice with 2 months' warning. You can challenge it at a tribunal before it starts.
Evictions and harassment
Section 21 "no-fault" evictions ended on 1 May 2026. Changing the locks, cutting off utilities or pressuring you to leave can be a crime.
Questions
What is a rent repayment order?
An order from the First-tier Tribunal that makes a landlord pay back rent, usually because they let a home without a licence it needed, ignored a council improvement notice, or harassed or illegally evicted a tenant. Since 1 May 2026, the most you can claim is 24 months' rent, and you have 2 years from the offence to apply. Tribunals often award less than the maximum. Justice for Tenants helps renters claim for free.
Will my landlord find out I used this?
No. The checker runs entirely in your browser. Your answers aren't sent anywhere, and there are no cookies or tracking.
I rent in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Can I use it?
Not yet. The law is different there. Shelter Cymru, Shelter Scotland and Housing Rights give free advice.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's general information about the law in England, checked against GOV.UK guidance in October 2026. Before you take action, especially before withholding rent or going to court, talk to Shelter, Citizens Advice or a housing solicitor.
What changed on 1 May 2026?
The Renters' Rights Act's main changes started on that date. Fixed-term tenancies became rolling ones, section 21 evictions ended, and rent rises are limited to once a year. Rental bidding and discrimination against families and people on benefits were banned, and tenants can ask to keep a pet. GOV.UK explains the changes.