Private Sector Housing
Information for private tenants
The Private Sector Housing Team provides advice and assistance for tenants of private landlords within the borough. On these pages you will find basic information about housing conditions, Security of tenure, gas safety and Houses of Multiple Occupation.
Security of tenure
If you are a tenant of a private landlord in the borough you probably have an Assured or an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement or a licence agreement. The information on this page is aimed at those tenants that have these types of agreement.
If you have another type of tenancy such as a secure tenancy or a protected tenancy contact the Private Sector Housing team and they will be able to offer you advice on these matters.
The next sections set out basic information on your rights and responsibilities if you have a tenancy, or if you have a licence.
Landlord and tenant responsibilities assured and assured shorthold tenancies
Both you and your landlord have certain duties to ensure your home is kept at an acceptable standard. The following is a booklet produced by Communities and Local Government which set out the basic right and responsibilities of tenants and Landlords
Assured and assured shorthold tenancies - A guide for tenants 
PDF 445K
This booklet does not provide an authoritative interpretation of the law; only the courts can do that. Nor does it cover every case. If you are in doubt about your legal rights or obligations you would be well advised to seek information from a Law Centre, Housing Advice Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau or to consult a solicitor. The addresses and telephone numbers of advice organisations are listed in the telephone directory.
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How to complain if your landlord is not fulfilling their duties
If you feel that your landlord is not fulfilling their obligations then contact Barking and Dagenham Direct. They will pass on the case to a Housing Standards Officer who will contact you to discuss the situation. Usually they will then visit you and decide what further action is required.
Lodging or living with a landlord
If you currently lodge with someone or share the property you live in with the Landlord then this booklet from Communities and Local Government helps set out your rights.
Renting rooms in someone's home PDF 187K
A guide for people renting from resident landlords.
