2/7 – What are my rights as a tenant or homeowner?
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What are my rights as a tenant or homeowner?
This page explains the rights and duties if you rent or own a home. You will learn key words, rights and duties, what makes a home safe to live in, and how to deal with energy suppliers.
Terms to know
- Tenant = a tenant is a person who rents a home from someone else and lives there. The tenant pays rent and has the right to use the home as their living place, following the rental agreement.
- Landlord = a landlord is a person or organization that owns a home and rents it to a tenant. The landlord receives rent and is responsible for keeping the home safe and in good condition.
- Controlled rent = Rent that is regulated or limited by law or public authorities, meaning it cannot exceed a certain amount.
- Market rent = The rent price is set by the private market, based on supply and demand, without government regulation.
The Tenant
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As a tenant, you have the right to live in your home safely, peacefully, and with dignity. Your tenant rights include:
- Safe and livable housing: The home must be in good condition, with working heating, electricity, water, and sanitation.
- Privacy: The landlord cannot enter your home without notice, except in emergencies.
- Fair treatment: A landlord cannot discriminate against you because of who you are.
- Clear information: You have the right to understand your rental agreement, rent amount, and any rules.
- Protection from unfair eviction: A landlord must follow the law and give proper notice.
Along with rights, tenants also have responsibilities. You must:
- Pay rent on time
- Take care of the home through ordinary maintenance work and avoiding damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Follow the rental agreement
- Respect neighbors and not causing serious disturbances
- Inform the landlord about repairs, safety issues and extraordinary maintenance
Maintenance: who does what
The Tenant: Ordinary Maintenance
It means small, regular tasks needed to keep the home clean and working in normal daily use. These tasks are usually the tenant’s responsibility.
Examples
- Cleaning the home
- Changing light bulbs
- Replacing small items like tap washers or shower hose
- Keeping drains clean
- Taking care of appliances during normal use etc.
The Landlord: Extraordinary Maintenance
It means small, regular tasks needed to keep the home clean and working in normal daily use. These tasks are usually the tenant’s responsibility.
Examples
- Repairing or replacing heating systems
- Fixing serious plumbing or electrical problems
- Repairing the roof, walls, or structure of the building
- Replacing old or broken systems due to age or failure
- Fixing damage caused by events like storms or flooding.
Housing Habitability in Europe: your basic rights
In Europe, everyone has the right to live in a home that is safe, healthy, and fit to live in. This is often called housing habitability. Even though the exact rules are different in each country, the basic principles are similar across Europe.
- Protect you from rain, cold, heat, and wind
- Be structurally safe (no risk of collapse)
- Have clean water
- Have electricity and lighting;
- Have heating (especially important in winter);
- Have a toilet and washing facilities;
- Be free from serious damp, mold, or pests;
- Be safe from dangerous wiring or gas leaks;
If a home does not meet these conditions, it may be considered unfit to live in.
- You have the right to ask for extraordinary maintenance
- In many countries, you can contact local authorities or housing services
- Vulnerable people (such as elderly people, people with disabilities, families with children, or people with low income) often have extra protection
Your Relationship with Energy Suppliers (Electricity and Gas)
In Europe, everyone has the right to access essential energy services, such as electricity and gas, especially to live safely and with dignity. The exact rules may change from one country to another, but basic protections are similar across Europe.
What are energy suppliers?
Energy suppliers are companies that provide:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sometimes heating or hot water
They send you bills, manage your contract, and supply energy to your home. To know your energy supplier check your energy or electricity bill. [link to page 1].
Your basic rights as an energy customer
You have the right to:
- Receive clear and understandable bills
- Know how much you must pay and or what period
- Choose or change your supplier (in most countries)
- Be informed before prices change
- Contact customer support and make complaints
Extra protection for vulnerable people
In many European countries, vulnerable people have extra protection. This may include:
- Lower tariffs or social tariffs
- Payment plans if you cannot pay all at once
- Protection from energy cut-offs, especially in winter
- Extra support for: Elderly people, people with disabilities or chronic illness, families with children, people with low income
If you cannot pay your energy bill
If you are having financial difficulties:
Contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.
Ask for:
- A payment plan;
- A delay in payment;
- Information about financial aid.
Do not ignore bills, help is often available.
In many countries, suppliers must try to find a solution before cutting off energy.
Energy cut-offs (disconnection)
Energy suppliers and landlords usually cannot stop your energy suddenly. Shutting off electricity, gas, heating, or water is often considered harassment or an illegal eviction.
When energy can be shut down (limited cases)?
Energy may be interrupted only in specific situations,such as:
- Emergency repairs (for safety reasons)
- Planned maintenance, with notice given in advance
- Utility company action (for example, unpaid bills in the tenant’s name)
- Force majeure events, like storms or major system failures
For vulnerable people, disconnection may be limited or forbidden, especially during cold periods.
What to do if energy is shut off illegally?
A tenant may be able to:
- Contact local housing or tenant authorities
- Call emergency or social services (especially if health is at risk)
- Ask for immediate reconnection
- Seek legal help or compensation
What to do if you have a problem with your energy supplier
If you have a problem with your energy supplier:
- Contact the supplier’s customer service
- Ask for help from:
- Social services
- Consumer protection services
- Energy advice centers
- NGOs or charities