Renting a home should be a hassle-free and happy experience. But to get to this nirvana, you need to know what you’re doing. And for the inexperienced, renting a property can feel a daunting prospect when they’re faced with complicated rules and unhelpful landlords.

Here are some of the key questions that we’ve found that renters most often ask about finding, securing and living in a rented property.

Can my landlord let themselves in without permission?

This is one of the hottest issues among tenants; namely landlords who pay scant notice to tenants’ rights and privacy and come and go when they please. But there are clear rules about how and when your landlord can gain access to your rented home. Read our guide.

Should you sign a joint tenancy?

Millions of people rent a property through a shared tenancy and they’re popular among younger renters and students because it’s the cheapest and easiest way to rent a property, and a good way to make new friends. But they are very different tenancies to those used by single people and couples to rent properties. Here’s our guide to joint tenancy agreements.

Can I face evictions without a written tenancy agreement?

A surprisingly high number of people in the UK rent their homes without signing a contract, even though it’s considered a bad idea. But where does that leave a tenant if their landlord wants to evict them? Read out guide to verbal tenancy agreements.

Does being evicted damage your credit score?

Nearly 170 people are evicted every day in the UK for a variety of reasons. But does being evicted damage a person’s chances of maintaining a good credit score, and one day getting a mortgage? There are a few circumstances under which it can. Here's our guide to evictions and credit scores.

Is it okay for a landlord to ask for a copy of my passport?

For nearly three years the law has required landlords and letting agents to check tenants’ right to rent in the UK. In practice this means tenants will be asked to prove this, usually by showing their passport. Here’s how the system works.

Can my landlord sell my property while I’m renting it?

In short, yes. But there are rules and regulations that control when and how this can happen. Read our guide to evictions in the private rented sector.

Are compulsory three-year-tenancies a good idea?

The government is proposing to introduce a minimum three-year period for rental tenancies as it tries to increase rental security for the UK’s ten million tenants. But is it a good idea? Here’s our guide to what’s going on.

How can I spot a dodgy landlord before moving into a property?

Most landlords in the UK are responsible and fair, but a small minority are dodgy dealers. How can you tell the difference between the two? There are a few tell-tale signs that tenants can spot including a reluctance to prove that your deposit has been protected within an official scheme. But what are the other signs?

Why is it so difficult to find a pet-friendly landlord?

Research recently found that in some areas of London just 3% of properties were advertised as ‘pet friendly’ so tenants face an uphill struggle to find a landlord who will your pooch or moggy. Read our furry of the key issues.

When can a landlord increase my rent?

Most landlords only put the rent up in between former tenants moving out and new ones moving in. But if your landlord is asking to put the rent up midway through your tenancy, then it’s time to read our guide to how, when and by how much they can do it.

How can I spot a rental scam?

It is estimated that 250,000 people are scammed by rental fraudsters every year, who take advantage of people’s desperation and need for speed when looking for rental properties. Here are the key scams to look out for.

Can I put my rented home on Airbnb and make some money?

The straight answer is, no! Many landlords consider it to be subletting and most rental contracts will exclude such activity. But it can be possible if you ask your landlord for permission. Explore all the issues and regulations involved.

What can I do if my rented home is dangerous?

If your home features mould, bare electric wires, roof leaks and is generally not fit for habitation, then there are now regulations that outlaw such appalling living conditions. But first you’ll need to get the local authority involved. Here’s how.

How does the tenant fees ban work?

From June 1st, 2019, all fees charged to tenants will be banned except the rent, security deposits, holding deposits, utilities payments and default fees (e.g. if you lock yourself out and need new keys cutting). Here’s what it means for you.

How do rental deposits work?

There are strict rules that govern how letting agents and landlords must handle your security deposit after it’s paid. These are designed to prevent them stealing or losing your deposit, and both landlords and letting agents face penalties if they don’t lodge it within one of the three approved schemes.

What should I look out for before signing a tenancy?

Too many tenants happily sign rental contracts without reading them, often assuming the agreement they’re inking is ‘standard’ and regulated. But they are not - and there are plenty of questions you should ask a potential landlord before you move in.

CreditLadder can help you improve your credit score

If you want to improve your credit position by reporting your rent payments, CreditLadder is the only way to improve your credit score and position across all four of the main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK, namely Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and Crediva. Building up a high credit score has a lot of benefits, including helping you access finance at better rates - this can also help save you money.

CreditLadder also runs a free mortgage application service in partnership with Tembo which will tell you how much you could borrow.

Remember the information provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.