Author Archives: COOK LEGAL SOLICITORS

The Renters’ Rights Act reforms begin in England on 1 May 2026. The changes include ending Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, moving most private tenancies to periodic contracts, limiting rent increases to a statutory process, banning rental bidding above the advertised rent, and restricting excessive rent in advance.

To check if your deposit is protected, first confirm you have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), then search each of the three government-approved schemes (DPS, TDS and MyDeposits) using your postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount. If you cannot find it, request proof from your landlord or letting agent.

The story behind Awaab’s Law Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to black mould in his family’s flat in Rochdale. His death exposed serious failings in how social landlords respond to complaints about damp and mould, and it pushed […]

The story hitting headlines this week is a reminder that no landlord is above the law. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has admitted that her London property was rented out without the required landlord licence.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law. This is one of the biggest shake-ups in renting for years and it’s designed to give tenants more protection, more fairness, and more security. Here’s what it means for you:  No more “no-fault” evictions – landlords can’t just ask you to leave without a valid reason.  No more […]

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time renter or have been renting for years — when it comes to your deposit, even small mistakes can cost you hundreds (or thousands) of pounds. In this article, we’re revealing the five most common — and costly — errors tenants make when it comes to their tenancy deposit […]

If you’re renting in the UK and you’ve paid a deposit, there’s one vital question you need to ask: “Is my deposit protected under a tenancy deposit scheme?” If the answer is no — or you’re not sure — you could be missing out on money you’re legally entitled to claim back. Want us to […]

If your landlord hasn’t protected your deposit, you could be entitled to far more than just a refund — you may be eligible for up to three times the amount in compensation. But when should you take legal action, and what does the process involve? In this blog, we break down exactly when and how […]

Renting in the UK comes with certain rights and responsibilities — but for many tenants, one of the most overlooked elements is the tenancy deposit scheme. Whether you’re a first-time renter, a student moving into a shared house, or a family relocating to a new city, it’s essential to understand what happens to the money […]