Not anymore. The RRA outlaws discrimination against tenants with families or pets. The only legitimate reason to reject your offer on a property is if you cannot prove your ability to pay the rent.

Black Brick would always recommend viewing rental properties before signing a legally binding agreement or paying a non-refundable holding deposit. If you arrive and find significant problems with the property, or simply don’t like it, you may have no legal right to cancel the contract or get your holding deposit back.

If you are unable to view the property, Black Brick can visit it on your behalf and provide you with a full report of any causes for concern and the general condition of the property. We can also schedule viewings for a time that suits you, if this means you are able to visit in person.

While it is possible to rent a property ‘sight unseen’, you do so at your own risk. A ‘holding deposit’ to reserve the property is not subject to the same protections as your tenancy deposit, and is usually not refundable under any circumstances.

This very much depends on your personal requirements. You might have a full complement of furniture you want to put in your new home, or you may travel light and be glad to have pieces provided. Some properties are let semi-furnished, which means there are basics like carpets and curtains, a varying amount of furniture, and appliances.

In general, short-term lets do tend to be fully furnished – but do check it has everything you need before you book in.

Property being rented long term may be furnished, unfurnished, or semi-furnished.

Make sure you are clear about the terms of your tenancy and where your deposit will be held – landlords must keep this upfront payment in a Government-accredited scheme so it can be held securely and returned when you move out. Get an any inventory of furniture, appliances and any other items included in the property, so you have proof of its condition. 

Your landlord should provide you with information including an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates the energy efficiency of the property, a gas safety certificate and a current copy of the UK government’s How to Rent checklist for renting properties in England.

As of May 2026 fixed term tenancies, which apply to most UK renters, will be replaced by tenancies which roll on from month to month or week to week. You can leave whenever you like, providing you give two months’ notice. 

Find out more about landlords’ obligations to their tenants in our guide Responsibilities of a Landlord.

If you are renting long term you are also liable to pay for Council Tax and utility bills. It’s a good idea to find out what these costs are before making an offer so you can factor them into your budget. The landlord is responsible for paying the building’s service charge and dealing with repairs and maintenance issues.

On short term rentals, the landlord pays for everything – all utility bills, council tax and service charges. This is one reason short term rentals are much more expensive than longer term rentals.

Even the most well-maintained rental properties can (and will) experience occasional problems, from a leak to an appliance in need of repair. A good landlord ought to fix these problems fast.

Black Brick’s rental property search service normally favours properties with a professional manager (or property management company) so you can be confident of a prompt and positive response to any incident.

If this is not the case all you can do is seek assurances that your landlord is present and involved in maintenance and repairs, and make sure you keep their daytime and emergency contact details in a safe place (including somewhere you can access them if you cannot access the property itself for any reason).

In the past landlords could give tenants notice as they pleased, and without needing to give a reason. Under the new rules your landlord can force you to leave if you have failed to pay rent. damaged the property, or otherwise breached your contract.

Otherwise the only reason they can give you (four months) notice is if they intend to sell the property or move into it themselves. These rules, under the RRA, come into force in May 2026 and give renters far more security than in the past.

Yes, but only once a year and they must give you at least two months’ notice. Increases must be in line with local rent levels and if you feel your landlord is being unfair you can take them  to a tribunal to challenge the amount.

It is also worth pointing out that under the RRA rent should be paid monthly – your landlord can’t request annual or quarterly payments.

In general, by choosing reputable landlords, lettings agents or Black Brick managed properties you can be confident your deposit is protected and will be re-paid in full.

Landlords are allowed to claim deductions from your deposit, if the property has been damaged, beyond everyday wear and tear, or has not been properly cleaned. To safeguard yourself it is sensible to document the condition of the property when you move in and again when you move out. A professional inventory clerk can do a “schedule of condition” before your tenancy commences and again at the end, making it very hard for the landlord to make unsubstantiated claims.

Your deposit should be held, in most cases, in an official scheme which will assist dispute resolution if your landlord makes any deductions you disagree with.

If this is not the case and the landlord won’t return your money you could take legal action – if you win you can recoup your legal costs as well as your lost deposit.

Legal action can, however, be slow and expensive. If at all possible it is best to negotiate with your landlord, or their representatives.

Black Brick’s Property Management service takes responsibility for legal compliance, including responsibilities like transferring deposits into a TDP scheme and paying deposits back to tenants when they move out.