Norwich Private Renters' Charter - When you move in

When you move in

Whether you're renting for the first time or just moving to a new place, here are the key things your landlord or letting agent must do:

Get the “How to Rent” Guide

Your landlord or agent must give you the official government “How to Rent” booklet when you move in. It’s packed with useful info about your rights and responsibilities.

Deposit protection

If you pay a deposit, your landlord must protect it in a government-approved scheme (like TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits) within 30 days. They also need to give you proof of this.

Fair tenancy terms

Your tenancy agreement should be clear, fair, and free of hidden fees. If something doesn’t make sense, ask questions before signing.

Rent increases

During a fixed-term tenancy, your rent shouldn’t go up. Any changes must follow the rules and be clearly communicated.

Written agreement

A good landlord or agent will give you a written tenancy agreement. At the very least, it should include:

  • the property address
  • how long the tenancy lasts
  • how much rent you’ll pay
  • the landlord’s name and contact details

Moving out

Your landlord can’t just tell you to leave. There’s a legal process they must follow, and it takes time. If you’re asked to move out, get advice right away.

Permission to rent

Make sure your landlord has the legal right to rent out the property. You can check what permissions they need on our website.

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