North Herts Council has published a Tenants' Charter to provide guidance and support to local tenants and landlords.

The leaflet sets out the rights and responsibilities for tenants, landlords and the council, to ensure rented homes in the district are habitable and meet certain standards.

For instance, the Council advises tenants to:

• check that they can afford the rent, plus heating costs, and pay rent and bills on time.
• report disrepair or damage promptly and in writing to their landlord or their agent and keep a record.
• check that the landlord has provided a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the start of each new tenancy - if the property does not have a good EPC or is not heated sufficiently, condensation and subsequent mould is more likely to occur.

Landlords should:

• ensure the property is free from hazards, safe and habitable.
• provide a copy of the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and annual Gas Safety Inspection Certificate.
• respond to complaints within 14 days (or sooner in an emergency) and put them right promptly.
• comply with all housing laws including installing working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms if required.
• place deposits in a recognised Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

The council will:

• support residents to seek funding for energy efficiency schemes and encourage their uptake – e.g. Do you want help to reduce energy bills & improve your home's energy efficiency?
• offer tenants help with writing to their landlord if needed.
• respond to complaints within three working days (sooner in an emergency) and investigate disputes between tenants and landlords, taking appropriate action where necessary, which can include enforcement action against the landlord.
• update and develop the Charter to highlight the roles and responsibilities for all those involved in the rental sector and in line with updates to legislation.

Cllr Dave Winstanley, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Housing & Environmental Health, explained: "This information isn't new, but we have put it in a handy guide so that tenants and landlords are clear about their responsibilities. It also explains the council's role to help ensure that all tenants are safe and well in rental accommodation whether they are in social housing or renting from a private landlord."

More information can be found on the NHDC website: www.north-herts.gov.uk/tenants-charter