A major local authority has unveiled a charter which will encourage agents and landlords to meet legal standards when renting out a property.

If tenants in Tower Hamlets, London, feel they are being badly treated they will be able to contact organisations signed up to the charter, including the tenancy deposit schemes, ARLA Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman and renters’ rights groups.

The organisations will then find the best way to improve the situation, which could be pointing them to lawyers or community groups to take action against landlords or agents breaking the rules.

The charter reminds tenants of their rights to have their deposit protected; to know how much they are paying in fees; and for their agent to belong to a redress scheme. It also urges tenants to check if their landlord needs and has permission to rent as there are licensing schemes in the area.

It also explains what must go into a tenancy agreement, what make a home safe and secure, and what should happen at the end of the tenancy.

The charter notes: “Most landlords and agents in Tower Hamlets already meet these legal standards.

“If your landlord or agent does not, you can contact any of the organisations signed up to the Charter.

“We all promise to find the best way to improve your situation – and the most effective action to take against landlords or agents who break the rules.”