Norwich Private Renters' Charter - A safe and secure home

A safe and secure home

Whether you're renting for the first time or moving into a new place, your home should be safe, secure, and comfortable. Here's what that means in practice:

Alarms that keep you safe

• Smoke alarms: you must have a working smoke alarm on every floor.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: if your home uses gas, good landlords will also provide carbon monoxide detectors.

Gas safety matters

• If your home has a gas supply, your landlord must give you a valid gas safety certificate when you move in.
• All gas appliances must be checked every 12 months by a certified Gas Safe engineer.

Electrical safety

The wiring and any electrical appliances provided with your home must be safe and in good working order.

Repairs and maintenance

• Your home’s structure should be sound and kept in reasonable repair.
• If something breaks or becomes unsafe, your landlord should fix it promptly.

Damp, mould and heating

• Your home should be free from damp and mould.
• You should have heating you can control, so you're comfortable year-round.

Your space, your rights

• Your landlord or letting agent must respect your privacy.
• They can only visit with at least 24 hours’ notice, and only at a time that suits you - unless there’s an emergency.