• Get the terms of the tenancy in writing. If your landlord hasn't given you a tenancy agreement, ask him to provide you in writing with details of the important terms of the tenancy, such as when it starts, its length and the amount of rent due. Provided that your request is in writing, your landlord is legally obliged to provide you with these details within 28 days. If he doesn't, you can speak to your local authority Housing Officer as it's a criminal offence for him not to do so.
  
  
• Make an inventory. Many tenants have no problems with their landlords until it comes to the end of the tenancy and the landlord tries to retain their deposit blaming damage to the property. To prevent disputes, make a thorough inventory of your rented accommodation when you move in and get the landlord to sign it. Also, try to take photographs of the property at the start of the tenancy and when you leave it, so that you have proper evidence should a dispute arise.
  
  
• Make sure that the property is kept in good condition. Your landlord, by law, cannot neglect the property. He must keep the structure and exterior in proper repair and he must make sure that you're provided with basic supplies, including hot and cold running water, heating, gas and electricity, and toilet facilities. All gas appliances must be inspected annually by a CORGI-registered engineer and all of the furniture must comply with various safety regulations. If you feel that the property is not being looked after, you should complain to your local authority which will come round to inspect the condition.
  
  
• Don't let the rent be increased without your consent. Your landlord has the right to increase your rent at any time, as long as you agree to it, but he should give you one month's notice that the rent is going up. If you don't agree with the rent increase, you can refer it to a Rent Assessment Committee. There may be a limit to how often your landlord can increase the rent, or he may have to follow a specific procedure for the increase to be legal. For example, if your tenancy is for a fixed period of time, such as six months or a year, your landlord cannot increase the rent until that period ends. The only exceptions to this are if you agree to the increase or there is a clause in your agreement saying that the rent will be increased. If you feel that your landlord is increasing your rent by an unreasonable amount, then you should contact the Housing Rights Service or Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.
  
  
• Don't be harassed. Your landlord cannot turn up uninvited without giving reasonable notice and he cannot threaten you with eviction. If he wants you to leave the property, then he must follow specific legal procedures. These include giving you a proper amount of notice before you have to leave and he will have to have a reason for evicting you; for example, you've broken a term of the tenancy agreement or your lease has ended. If he tries to evict you against your will, he must get a possession order from the court which will then appoint bailiffs to get you out. If your landlord is trying to evict you illegally, speak to your local authority Housing Officer who will be able to help you.
  
  
• Make sure that your deposit is protected. If your deposit was taken after 6 April 2007, your landlord must put it into one of the government-approved tenancy deposit protection schemes. These schemes have been designed to secure your money, so that your landlord cannot run off with it. Also, if there is a dispute between you and your landlord about the money being returned, then the matter can be referred to arbitration.
  

Still puzzled about how you can protect yourself and need more information on how to enforce your rights? Then Shelter or a Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Lawpack has recently released a book called 'Renting: The Essential Guide to Tenants' Rights', written by a solicitor specialising in tenancy law, which tells you how to use the law to your full advantage.

Further information
Get more information on your rights with Renting: The Essential Guide to Tenants' Rights