Tenants’ Rights After 10 Years in the UK

Under UK law, renting a property for a decade or more comes with unique rights and protections. Whether you’re in a private rental, social housing, or an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), understanding your rights as a long-term tenant is crucial. In this guide, we will cover everything there is to know about tenants’ rights after 10 years in the UK, such as security of tenure, rent increases, eviction restrictions, and so much more.

What are Tenants’ Rights After 10 Years in the UK?

After 10 years, tenants in the UK get more legal protection. They get stronger rights to stay in their home, more limits on rent hikes, and ways to stop unfair eviction. Let’s explore the tenants’ rights after 10 years in detail:

1. Security of Tenure

After 10 years of continuous tenancy, you gain significant protection against eviction. Your landlord cannot simply ask you to leave without a valid reason. The type of tenancy agreement you have will determine your specific rights:

• Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): Most private renters are on ASTs. After 10 years, your landlord must follow strict legal procedures to evict you, such as providing a Section 21 notice (no-fault eviction) or a Section 8 notice (fault-based eviction). You must also be provided sufficient notice, which is normally in excess of two months.
• Assured Tenancy or Secure Tenancy: Those in social housing or older tenancy agreements may also enjoy even better protection such as indefinite right to remain.

2. Rent Increases

Your landlord cannot increase your rent arbitrarily, even after 10 years. Rent increases must follow the terms of your tenancy agreement or legal guidelines:

• Rent Review Clause: If your contract includes a clause allowing you to adjust rent, your landlord can increase the rent in accordance with that clause.
• Statutory Process: If the clause for adjustment is absent, your landlord will have to go through the procedure formally. They will also be required to provide a written explanation for the increase. You can appeal against what you consider unreasonable rent through the rent assessment committee or tribunal.

3. Right to a Written Tenancy Agreement

For tenancies surpassing a decade, an agreement is not mandatory but it is advisable. You have the right to demand an agreement from your landlord, and it must cover:

• Rent amount and payment terms.
• Deposit details (if applicable).
• Notice periods for ending the tenancy.
• Responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.

4. Protection from Unfair Eviction

After 10 years, you’re considered a long-term tenant, and courts are more likely to rule in your favor if your landlord tries to evict you without a valid reason. Valid reasons for eviction include:

• Rent arrears.
• Breach of tenancy terms.
• The landlord needs the property for personal use (they must provide evidence).

If your landlord attempts an unfair eviction, you can contact the Housing Disrepair Team to challenge it. You may also be entitled to compensation.

5. Right to a Safe and Habitable Home

Your landlord is legally obligated to ensure the property is safe, habitable, and in good repair. The landlord must address all issues that negatively impact living conditions after a decade, which includes but is not limited to:

• Damp and mould.
• Broken heating or plumbing.
• Electrical hazards.
• Structural problems.

If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you can contact the Housing Disrepair Team via 02030264595.

6. Deposit Protection

If you paid a deposit at the start of your tenancy, it must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). After 10 years, your landlord cannot withhold your deposit without reasonable justification. When you move out, they must return your deposit within 10 days, minus any legitimate deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

7. Right to Privacy

Your landlord cannot enter the property without your permission, except in emergencies. This rule remains applicable after 10 years. For any inspections or repairs, you have the right to be provided with at least 24 hours of notice. Also, if the timing is inconvenient, you have the right to refuse them entry.

8. Right to Challenge Unfair Terms

Any term of your tenancy agreement that you find unreasonable, such as unreasonable charges or overreaching limitations, you can dispute. After 10 years, if you have been a trustworthy tenant, you might have better chances to negotiate, and that can be particularly beneficial.

9. Right to Stay Indefinitely (in Some Cases)

If you’re in social housing or have a lifetime tenancy, you may have the right to stay in the property indefinitely, provided you follow the terms of your tenancy. Generally, private tenants do not possess such a right unless it is expressly stated in the tenancy agreement.

10. Right to Request Improvements

After 10 years, you can ask for changes to be made to the property that can include energy efficiency renovations or placement of new appliances. While there is no requirement for your landlord to concede to these requests, they may, in fact, do so in order to keep a long-term tenant.

What to Do If Tenant Rights Are Violated

If you believe your rights as a tenant are being violated, take the following steps:

1. Communicate with Your Landlord: Address the issue directly and try to resolve it amicably.
2. Seek Advice: Contact Housing Disrepair Team via 02030264595, a claim management company for guidance.
3. File a Complaint: If the landlord fails to act, consider filing a complaint with a Housing Disrepair Team or seeking compensation.
4. Action: As a last resort, consider taking action through our experts.

Conclusion

After 10 years in the UK, tenants typically have secure tenancy rights and can request necessary repairs to ensure the property meets health and safety standards. Understanding these rights empowers you to stand up for yourself and ensure a fair and secure living situation. Whether it’s challenging an unfair eviction, requesting repairs, or negotiating better terms, knowing your rights is key to maintaining a positive tenant-landlord relationship.

If you’re unsure about your rights or need help resolving a dispute, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from the Housing Disrepair Team via 02030264595.