Over 17000 households in York rent their homes from a private landlord or letting agent. We work with landlords, agents and tenants to encourage responsible renting. 

We aim to encourage high standards of accommodation, repair and good management in the private rented sector. Our schemes offer advice, encouragement and where necessary, enforcement.

If you are a tenant or are considering renting from a private landlord then these pages can help you.

Licensing of houses in multiple occupation

Under the Housing Act 2004 it is compulsory for properties that have 5 or more occupants over 3 or more storeys to be licensed. Failure to licence such properties can result in prosecution. If you believe the property that you live in does not have a licence and should do then you should inform the Housing Standards and Adaptations Team. For further information see our Houses in Multiple Occupation web page.

Code of Best Practice for Student Accomodation

Any landlord or agent who wishes to advertise accomodation through the colleges of further education must sign up to the Code of Best Practice, a voluntary scheme aimed at promoting good standards within student accommodation. A full copy of the 2008/9 Code can be downloaded from this page. Initial enquiries relating to properties advertised through the Code should be through the relevent university accomodation office.

Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme

On the 6 April 2007 it became law for anyone taking a bond in the private rented sector to register it with one of two official schemes and inform the tenant of that fact within 14 days. A presentation on the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme is available to download from this page.

Keeping Warm

For information on how to reduce energy usage and on grants that may be available for energy efficiency improvements in private rented properties please visit the website of the Ryedale Energy Conservation Group [www.4sustainable-energy.co.uk]

Enforcement

Where necessary we will enforce the legal standards which apply. Although many landlords already have well managed properties, others may need advice and assistance to enable them to run ther businesses correctly and to ensure they meet all the necessary legal obligations.

We aim to work within the framework of an intervention and enforcement policy, a copy of which is available to download from this page.

How to complain

If you have a concern about health and safety within your rented accommodation we always recommend that you report this to your landlord or agent first. 

However, if this fails and you need help or advice please contact the Housing Standards and Adaptations Team.