Tenancy rights, rent, deposits, eviction and dispute resolution.
Search the official Constitution →The Constitution recognises a right to accessible and adequate housing, and several laws protect tenants — from unfair rent increases to unlawful eviction. Rental disputes are handled by specialist rent tribunals and the courts.
Article 43As a tenant you have rights that your lease cannot lawfully take away — to habitable premises, to quiet enjoyment of your home, to the return of your deposit, and to protection from arbitrary rent increases and unlawful eviction.
Article 27; Articles 27 and 43Rent, deposits and increases are governed by your lease and by law. For controlled tenancies, a landlord must get tribunal approval before raising rent; for others, rent can rise only with proper notice — never overnight.
A landlord cannot just throw you out. Lawful eviction requires written notice, a valid reason, and a court or tribunal order, enforced only by a bailiff. Lockouts, removing your belongings, or cutting utilities are illegal — no matter how much rent you owe.
Rental disputes go to specialist tribunals: the Rent Restriction Tribunal for controlled residential tenancies, the Business Premises Rent Tribunal for commercial ones, and the Environment and Land Court or magistrates’ courts for matters outside their scope. Free legal aid is available.
