Find out your legal rights as a private tenant, and other organisations who can help the GRT community.
These legal rights apply to all assured shorthold tenancies, most private lettings arrangements will be in this category.
Written contract
Your landlord should provide a written contract for you to sign.
You should be provided with the following information when you start your tenancy:
- how to rent guide
- gas safety and energy performance certificate
If these were not given to you, your landlord may not be able to take possession of your property.
Repairs
You have the right to have the accommodation kept in a reasonable state of repair by your landlord.
Deposit
If you are paying a deposit, by law and as part of your landlord's initial requirements, it should be protected by a deposit scheme backed by government, and information on where it is held should be given to you.
Fair treatment
You have the right to be treated fairly regardless of your age, race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Enforcing your rights
You can enforce your rights, for instance to get repairs done, without fear of eviction, though your landlord may decide not to renew the tenancy agreement at the end of the fixed term.
Right to stay in accommodation
You have the right to stay in the accommodation until the fixed term ends unless your landlord can convince the court there are reasons for eviction, for example:
- rent arrears
- damage to property
- any of the terms of the agreement have been broken
Your landlord has to serve you a legal notice and take it to court for an eviction to take place.
Eviction
Your landlord can't evict you unless there are good reasons for eviction. For example:
- rent arrears
- damage to the property
- you have broken one of the terms of the rent agreement and you have been served a valid legal notice to ask you to leave.
To avoid eviction make sure you do not have rent arrears, damage the property or breach other parts of your tenancy agreements. If you do get served notice seek assistance to check that it is legal.
Death of the tenant
You may have the right of a spouse, civil partner, or other partner to take over the tenancy on your death , this called the ‘right of succession. If you think this could apply to you seek advice.
Get help
If you think you're being harassed or your landlord is trying to evict you can call Bristol City Council: 0117 352 1600 or 0117 352 5010 or email tenancy.relations@bristol.gov.uk
If it's outside office hours (after 17.00 or on a Saturday or Sunday) you can contact the police. Non-emergency call: 101 or emergencies call: 999
Other organisations who can help
If you are having trouble with your landlord or think you are being treated unfairly you can get advice about renting from a private landlord from Citizens Advice Go to http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/renting-from-a-private-landlord/ (opens new window) or call: 03444 111 444
Avon and Bristol Law Centre Go to https://www.ablc.org.uk (opens new window) call: 0117 924 8662
Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) Go to https://saricharity.org.uk/ (opens new window) call: 0117 942 0060
The Networks' Romanian-speaking Roma Support Service for help with housing, education, money matters, health or about Roma community activities and events in Bristol.
Ramona Amuza, Community Engagement Officer, call: 07956 409 982 or email ramona.amuza@wellspringhlc.org Go to mailto:ramona.amuza@wellspringhlc.org (opens new window)
If you are homeless, contact St. Mungo's Go to https://www.mungos.org/ (opens new window), call: 0117 944 0581 or 0117 987 2055
Acorn the union Go to https://acorntheunion.org.uk/ (opens new window) If you are living in poor quality private rented accommodation
Shelter Go to http://england.shelter.org.uk (opens new window) call: 0344 515 1430
Poisoning, car safety, fire safety for gypsies and travellers, air pollution, noise complaints, dog issues and pest control.
Poisoning
Medicines
Most people are careful with tablets they get on prescription from their doctor but other medicines that you can buy can be harmful, such as:
- aspirin and paracetamol
- vitamins
Some medicines have child proof caps but children can sometimes undo them. Keep all medication and tablets out of reach.
Cleaning products
Cleaning products can be dangerous. Keep bleach, toilet cleaners, washing powders and spray cleaners out of reach.
Burns and Scalds
Hot drinks are the main cause of scalds in the under 5s. Unplug and store safely irons, hair straighteners and kettles after use.
Car Safety
Children under the age of 12 or 135cms tall need to have the correct car seat. Laws are there for safety.
Fire safety
Avon Fire and Rescue Service can do a home fire safety visit and fit smoke alarms for free. Book a home fire safety visit Go to https://avonfire.gov.uk/our-services/home-fire-safety-visits (opens new window) or call 0800 1693 999 (Non-emergency visit)
Air pollution, noise complaints, dog issues and pest control
Find out about and report:
Call: 0117 922 2500
Where to get care and support if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, for the GRT community.
Support if you're pregnant
If you think you may be pregnant call a midwife who will:
- give care and advice in pregnancy
- look after you and your baby once your baby is born, this is called antenatal care, you get free antenatal care during your pregnancy. See the NHS pregnancy and baby guide Go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/antenatal-midwife-care-pregnant/ (opens new window).
Contact a midwife for antenatal care
You can either:
- Call: 0117 342 5241 or 0117 342 5758 for local midwife support
- Contact a doctor to find your nearest maternity service
- Complete an online self referral form on Badger Notes: Self-refer your pregnancy to BNSSG
Urgent midwife services
If you need to see a midwife urgently call 999
If you're depressed after having a baby
If you feel depressed after having your baby, you may have postnatal depression, often called the baby blues or bad nerves. Call a midwife, health visitor, GP or A&E services. Post natal depression can be serious and you need to get help.
Get help if you need mental health support
Emergency support
Call: 0800 953 1919.
This is 24/7 mental health response line with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
You can also get support from the Samaritans, get in touch about anything that's troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. Call for free on 116 123.
Non-emergency support
If you need help now, and you're not sure what to do, call 111.
Who to contact
GP or doctor
Contact your doctor (GP) to get mental health support and advice.
Find mental health support services
Mental health organisations
- Local NHS mental health and wellbeing services Go to https://bnssgccg.nhs.uk/health-advice-and-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ (opens new window)
- Bristol Mental Health Go to http://www.bristolmentalhealth.org/ (opens new window): information and support phone line for mental health services in Bristol
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust Go to http://www.awp.nhs.uk/ (opens new window): Inpatient and community mental health care for people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire
- Samaritans Go to https://www.samaritans.org/ (opens new window): emergency (24 hour) support for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or thinking of suicide throughout the UK and Ireland. Call Bristol's Samaritans on 116 123 or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).
- Mind Go to http://www.mind.org.uk/ (opens new window): the mental health charity
- Bristol Mind Go to http://www.bristolmind.org.uk/ (opens new window): mental health support service that provides information, low cost counselling and advocacy services.
- Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service Go to (opens new window)
- Childline Go to https://www.childline.org.uk/ (opens new window): free and confidential mental health support for children under the age of 19 years old. Call 0800 1111.
- Well Aware Go to http://www.wellaware.org.uk (opens new window): information about organisations, support groups, community groups, events and activities that can help improve your health and wellbeing
- Off the Record Go to http://www.otrbristol.org.uk (opens new window): free and confidential counselling for young people aged 11 to 25 years in Bristol
- Alzheimer's Society Go to http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ (opens new window)
- Rethink Go to http://www.rethink.org/ (opens new window): support to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness through local groups, services and information
- SANE Go to http://www.sane.org.uk/ (opens new window): emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness.
- Second Step Go to http://www.second-step.co.uk/ (opens new window): support people in their home with mental health problems
- Womankind Go to http://www.womankindbristol.org.uk/ (opens new window): support women in the Bristol area with professional counselling, group psychotherapy, supportive and reliable help and a helpline service
- Changes Bristol Go to http://www.changesbristol.org.uk/ (opens new window): support groups in Bristol for anyone aged 18 or over, that offer a safe and friendly space for people to share any worries they might have. Free to access, confidential and no referral needed.
- Community Access Support Service (CASS): Offers support to minority ethnic and faith-based groups in improving access to mental health services.
Find an accident and emergency (A and E) hospital, get directions and visiting hours for hospitals
Emergency support
If it's an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department Go to https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Accident-and-emergency-services/LocationSearch/428 (opens new window)Non-emergency support
If you need help now, and you're not sure what to do, call 111.
Accident and Emergency
Bristol Royal Hospital for children
- an accident and emergency department for children up to 16 years of age with injuries and illness
- a non-emergency children's hospital.
Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8BJ
Call: 0117 923 0000
Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI)
- an accident and emergency department
- a general hospital.
Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW
Call: 0117 923 0000
Southmead Hospital Bristol
- an accident and emergency department
- a general hospital.
Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB
Call: 0117 950 5050
Bristol Eye Hospital
- an accident and emergency department
- a general hospital.
Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LX
Contact Bristol Eye Hospital Go to http://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/bristol-eye-hospital/contact-details/ (opens new window)
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