What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Include in a Review About Your Landlord

At Marks Out Of Tenancy, we believe renters should have a voice. Reviews are a powerful way to share renting experiences, help other tenants make informed decisions, and encourage landlords and letting agents to improve standards. But while honesty is welcome, there are important legal boundaries to keep in mind when writing about your landlord, letting agent or property.

This guide explains what you can say, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself while still being open and truthful when writing a review.

✅ What You Can Include

Factual Information
You’re free to state facts that can be verified and backed up.

Some examples are:
“The boiler broke down three times in six months.”
“My deposit was returned 4 weeks after moving out.”
“There was visible mould in the bedroom.”

If You Have Evidence

Having evidence such as emails, photos, tenancy agreements strengthens your case. Don’t forget that you can add up to 10 photos and videos to your review on Marks Out Of Tenancy - they’re a great way to add some visual evidence to back up your statements.

Opinions Based on Experience

The law protects “fair comment” – meaning you can express your honest personal opinion, as long as it’s clear that they are subjective impressions.

Some examples include:

“I felt communication was slow.”

“In my opinion, the property was overpriced for the condition it was in.”

Descriptions of Your Tenancy
Share how long you rented, what condition the property was in, how repairs were handled, and whether you’d rent from them again. This context helps others trust your review.
 

❌ What You Can’t Include

Defamatory or False Statements
You cannot write anything that could harm someone’s reputation if it isn’t true. The law states that “a statement is not defamatory unless its publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the reputation of the claimant.” Find out more about “serious harm” in the Defamation Act 2013.

To avoid potentially defamatory comments, it’s best to stick to what happened to you, not unverified claims. 

For example:

“The landlord is a criminal.” (unless proven in court)

“They always steal deposits.” (unless you have evidence of this pattern)

There are, however, two defences to defamation claims from landlords. Delve deeper into “truth” and “honest opinion” defences in the Defamation Act 2013 to find out more about what the law says.

Private or Personal Information
Do not share personal details about your landlord, letting agent, or neighbours – such as their home address, phone number, or family information. Reviews should focus on tenancy and property issues only.

Some landlords may request their “Right To Be Forgotten”. Also known as “the right to erasure”, GDPR gives landlords the right to ask us to delete their personal data. But we don’t always have to do it. There are a number of reasons why an organisation doesn’t have to agree, including that the data is being used to exercise the right of freedom of expression and information.

You can see more information on how we use personal information in our privacy policy, including our Legitimate Interests Assessment which states our valid lawful basis in order to process personal data. Check out the ICO guide to lawful basis to find out more about these lawful bases and how we believe they apply to reviews on Marks Out Of Tenancy.

Abusive or Threatening Language
Even if you’re upset, language that could be seen as harassment, abuse, or threats is not allowed. Keep it respectful and constructive.

Unverified Allegations of Criminal Activity
Unless backed by official evidence, avoid suggesting illegal behaviour (fraud, theft, harassment). If serious wrongdoing occurred, report it to the proper authority instead.

⚖️ How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law

• Be Honest and Accurate: If you stick to truth and your lived experience, you’re unlikely to run into legal issues.

• Use “I” Statements: Write from your perspective (“I found…” / “In my experience…”). This makes it clear you’re sharing an opinion, not stating universal fact.
   
• Focus on What’s Useful: Other renters care about communication, maintenance, deposit handling, and overall living conditions – not personal disputes

✍️ Final Thoughts

Leaving a review is your chance to shine a light on rental standards and help future tenants. As long as your review is truthful, respectful, and relevant to your tenancy, you’re protected by law.

At Marks Out Of Tenancy, we moderate reviews to make sure they’re fair and legal, but your words matter most. Share your story – the right way – and help make renting better for everyone.