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