Strictly necessary cookies
Used for basic website operation, security, form delivery, spam prevention, cookie choices and accessibility or display preferences where required for the service requested.
Cookie policy
How this website uses cookies and similar technologies
This cookie policy explains how Renters Rights Toolkit may use cookies, local storage, form protection, analytics, security tools, preference settings and third-party services across its England private renting tools, guides, templates and contact pages.
Last reviewed: 5 May. This policy is written for Renters Rights Toolkit’s current website setup: static HTML pages, tools and posts data files, contact forms, scripts, optional analytics, form protection, external images and source links.
1. Who we are
Renters Rights Toolkit is an independent information website that publishes practical private renting tools, checkers, guides, templates and evidence prompts for England.
For this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Renters Rights Toolkit. You can contact us about cookies and privacy at:
Email: contact@rentersrightstoolkit.co.uk
This cookie policy should be read with our Privacy Policy, Legal Disclaimer and Accessibility Statement.
2. What this policy covers
This policy covers cookies and similar technologies that may be used on Renters Rights Toolkit, including on the homepage, tools, blog posts, contact page, supporting pages, dynamic latest-tools/latest-posts areas, scripts, forms and external source links.
It also explains how cookies may be used by third-party services that support the website, such as hosting, analytics, form handling, security, embedded images or advertising services if those are enabled.
External websites we link to have their own cookie policies and privacy notices.
3. What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files that a website can place on your device. They are commonly used to make websites work, remember preferences, support security, measure use or enable optional services.
Similar technologies can also store or access information on your device. These may include local storage, session storage, pixels, tags, scripts, software development kits, device identifiers, fingerprinting techniques or tracking links.
UK cookie rules can apply even where the information is not obviously personal data. If a technology stores information on your device or accesses information from your device, cookie rules may be relevant.
| Cookie | A small file placed on your browser or device to remember information or support a website feature. |
|---|---|
| Session cookie | A cookie that normally lasts only while the browser session is open. |
| Persistent cookie | A cookie that remains for a set period unless deleted earlier. |
| First-party cookie | A cookie set by the website you are visiting. |
| Third-party cookie | A cookie set by another service used on the website, such as analytics, advertising, embedded media or form protection. |
| Local storage | A browser storage method that can remember settings such as tool data or cookie choices. It is not technically a cookie, but similar rules may apply where information is stored or accessed. |
4. Cookie categories used or likely to be used
The website may use different cookie categories depending on which features, scripts or services are active.
Preference cookies
Used to remember choices such as cookie preferences, display choices, accessibility settings or previous site choices where those features are enabled.
Analytics cookies
Used to understand page use, tool popularity, errors, device types, referrers and performance. Analytics cookies are not normally strictly necessary and should be consent-based where required.
Tool and script storage
Some tools may use browser storage to keep temporary answers, result preferences, progress, or user choices in the browser. Tool storage should be minimised and explained where important.
Advertising and tracking cookies
If ads, affiliate tracking or remarketing are added, those technologies may track browsing and normally require clear consent and transparent information before use.
Third-party service cookies
Services such as forms, anti-spam tools, embedded media, hosting, external images, analytics or security providers may set their own cookies or use similar technologies.
5. Why cookies may be used on this website
Cookies and similar technologies should only be used where there is a clear purpose. The table below explains the main website purposes.
| Security and abuse prevention | To protect forms, reduce spam, detect unusual traffic, prevent misuse and keep the website available. |
|---|---|
| Cookie choices | To remember whether you accepted, rejected or customised cookie categories. |
| Website operation | To support basic page loading, scripts, navigation, form display and user-requested features. |
| Tool functionality | To keep temporary tool answers, progress or result preferences in the browser where a tool needs it. Sensitive case data should not be stored longer than necessary. |
| Accessibility and display preferences | To remember user-requested choices such as display, contrast, text size or accessibility-related settings where those features are enabled. |
| Analytics and improvement | To understand which pages and tools are useful, identify errors, improve navigation and prioritise updates. Analytics should be consent-based where required. |
| Advertising or affiliate measurement | Only if advertising, sponsored content or affiliate measurement is added. Such cookies normally need clear consent and disclosure before use. |
6. Manage cookie choices
You can use these controls to record your cookie choice in this browser. This example control stores your preference locally and can be connected to your analytics or advertising scripts if those are added.
8. Current cookie and storage table
This table describes the cookie/storage types that may be used by the website. Exact cookie names can change when hosting, analytics, form protection or third-party services are updated. If a cookie banner or scan is added later, this table should be updated with exact cookie names and durations.
| Category | Possible examples | Purpose | Consent position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Cookie choice storage, security tokens, anti-spam checks, basic session data. | To make the website work, protect forms, remember cookie choices and support requested features. | Usually does not require consent where strictly necessary, but clear information should still be provided. |
| Preferences | Display preferences, accessibility settings, local tool settings. | To remember choices made by the user. | May require consent depending on whether it is necessary for a user-requested service and how it is implemented. |
| Analytics | Page views, device type, referrer, event tracking, error measurement. | To understand website use and improve content, tools and navigation. | Normally consent-based unless a valid exemption applies under current law and guidance. |
| Advertising or affiliate | Ad measurement, sponsored-link tracking, remarketing, frequency capping, conversion tracking. | To measure or personalise advertising, affiliate referrals or sponsored campaigns. | Consent is normally required before use. |
| Third-party embeds | Embedded media, external image services, maps, widgets, form services or scripts. | To show or support third-party content or services. | Depends on the service and cookie purpose. Non-essential third-party cookies normally require consent. |
| Local storage | Tool answers, generated results, user preferences, saved choices. | To keep information in the browser for a user-requested feature. | Similar rules may apply where information is stored or accessed on a device. |
9. Consent and choice
Where consent is required, the website should give users a clear, active and informed choice before non-essential cookies or similar technologies are used. Users should be able to reject non-essential cookies as easily as they can accept them.
Consent should not be bundled into general terms. It should be specific enough for users to understand the purpose of the cookies, who sets them, and what happens if they accept or reject them.
If new analytics, advertising, affiliate tracking or embedded services are added, cookie controls and this policy should be updated before those services are used for non-essential purposes.
10. Strictly necessary cookies
Some cookies or storage technologies may be needed to provide the website or a user-requested feature. These can include security cookies, cookie preference storage, form protection, accessibility choices, or temporary data needed to use a tool.
Strictly necessary cookies should be limited to what is actually needed. They should not be used for analytics, advertising, behavioural profiling or unrelated tracking.
Users can still block these through browser settings, but some parts of the site may stop working properly.
11. Analytics cookies
Analytics can help us understand which pages and tools are useful, what users search for, whether pages load correctly, and where users may be struggling. This can help improve the site’s usefulness and accessibility.
However, analytics cookies are not usually essential for a user to access a website. If analytics cookies or similar technologies are used, they should be explained clearly and used only after consent where consent is required.
Analytics should be configured to minimise data where practical, for example by limiting retention, avoiding unnecessary identifiers and using privacy-conscious settings where available.
12. Advertising, affiliate and sponsored cookies
If Renters Rights Toolkit later uses advertising, affiliate links, sponsored placements, remarketing or conversion tracking, those technologies may involve non-essential cookies or similar tracking.
Advertising cookies can track browsing behaviour and measure ad performance. They are not strictly necessary for a user to read guides or use tools. They should not be used without clear information and consent where required.
If advertising or affiliate tracking is added, this page should be updated with details of the provider, purpose, cookie category and user controls.
13. Contact forms and anti-spam protection
The contact page may use form handling, email delivery, captcha, honeypot fields, rate limiting or other anti-spam technologies. These may use cookies or similar technologies to check whether a submission is genuine and to protect the website from abuse.
Some form-handling services may process technical information such as IP address, browser, timestamp and submission details. Read the Privacy Policy for wider information about contact form data.
Do not send sensitive documents, court papers, medical records, identity documents or private evidence through the contact form.
14. Tool answers and browser storage
Some tools may store information temporarily in the browser so the tool can work, remember progress, calculate results or let users copy a summary. This should be limited to what the tool needs.
Where possible, tools should avoid sending personal case details to a server. However, users should still avoid entering unnecessary sensitive information into any website tool.
Clearing browser data may remove saved tool choices or generated summaries. Other people using the same device may be able to see information left in the browser, so users should avoid shared devices for sensitive housing issues.
15. Third-party services and external websites
Third-party services may set their own cookies or similar technologies when they are used on or linked from the website.
Website infrastructure
Hosting, content delivery and security providers may process technical data to keep the website available and secure.
Contact form services
Form services may process message data and technical data so contact messages can be delivered and protected from spam.
Measurement services
Analytics tools may set cookies or use identifiers to measure page views, events and errors if enabled and consented to where required.
Image services
Images loaded from third-party services may cause browser requests to those services. Decorative images should not carry essential information.
Official guidance links
When you click links to GOV.UK, Shelter, Citizens Advice, legislation.gov.uk or other sources, their own cookie and privacy policies apply.
Embeds, ads or media
If embedded videos, maps, ads, affiliate tools or sponsored content are added, this policy and cookie controls should be updated.
16. How long cookies last
Cookies and similar technologies can last for different periods. Session cookies normally expire when the browser closes. Persistent cookies remain until they expire or are deleted.
| Session cookies | Normally last until the browser is closed. They may support temporary security, form or session features. |
|---|---|
| Preference cookies | May last long enough to remember your choices, such as cookie preferences or display settings. |
| Analytics cookies | Retention depends on the analytics provider and configuration. Analytics retention should be limited where practical. |
| Advertising cookies | Retention depends on the advertising or affiliate provider. These should only be used with clear information and consent where required. |
| Local storage | May remain until cleared by the user, browser or website script. Avoid storing sensitive details on shared devices. |
17. Privacy and data protection
Some cookies and similar technologies process personal data, such as IP address, device information, identifiers, usage events or form-related technical data. When personal data is processed, UK data protection law may also apply.
Our Privacy Policy explains more about personal data, lawful bases, data sharing, retention, rights, contact form data and security.
Cookie consent and privacy rights are related but not identical. A cookie may require consent under cookie rules even where the data is anonymous.
18. Accessibility and cookie choices
Cookie choices should be accessible. Controls should be keyboard usable, readable, understandable and not designed to push users unfairly towards accepting optional cookies.
Cookie notices should not block essential renting content in a way that prevents users from getting urgent housing information, especially where the cookies are not necessary for access.
If a cookie banner, preference centre or third-party consent tool creates an accessibility barrier, report it through the contact page.
19. Cookie policy review and improvement plan
This policy should stay aligned with the website’s actual scripts, tools, analytics and third-party services.
After script changes
Review this policy whenever analytics, ads, form services, embeds, scripts or tool storage features are added or changed.
Add exact cookie names
If a cookie scan or consent platform is added, update this page with exact cookie names, providers, purposes and durations.
Separate optional cookies
Keep optional analytics, advertising and affiliate cookies separate from strictly necessary cookies.
Make controls usable
Ensure cookie controls can be used by keyboard, screen readers, zoom users and mobile users.
Use fewer cookies
Use cookies and identifiers only where useful and proportionate for the website purpose.
Avoid dark patterns
Do not hide reject options, use confusing wording or make optional cookies harder to refuse than accept.
20. Official cookie and privacy sources
These sources support the approach used in this policy.
ICO: Cookies
Public guidance explaining cookies, similar technologies and PECR.
ICO: Cookies and similar technologies
Organisation guidance on PECR cookie rules, consent, exemptions and similar technologies.
ICO: Guidance on cookies and similar technologies
Detailed guidance covering analytics, advertising cookies, consent and exemptions.
ICO: Cookies and privacy notices in detail
Guidance on clear, transparent and accessible privacy and cookie information.
ICO: Your information rights
Public guidance about data protection rights and how to complain.
Renters Rights Toolkit: Privacy Policy
How we handle contact form data, website feedback, technical data, analytics and privacy rights.
Questions about cookies?
Contact us if a cookie notice, preference control, tool storage feature or third-party service is unclear, inaccessible or not working as expected.
Cookie policy FAQs
Get clear answers to the most common cookie policy questions, including cookie policy, essential cookies and analytics cookies.
Quick answers about cookies, consent, analytics, advertising and browser controls.
What are cookies, and why does it matter on our cookie policy?
Cookies are small files placed on your device by websites. Similar technologies can also store or access information on your device, including local storage, pixels, tags, scripts and identifiers.
Pro tip: keep this with the rest of your tenancy paperwork and your notes on essential cookies — cookies on this site disputes are decided on dates and documents, not on who sounds more reasonable.
Does Renters Rights Toolkit use essential cookies, and how does that work on our cookie policy?
The website may use essential cookies or similar technologies where needed for security, cookie choices, form protection, accessibility preferences or basic website operation.
Pro tip: if you searched “what cookies does this site use” to get here, this is the part that matters: note the date, who said it and what was actually agreed.
Cookie policy: do analytics cookies require consent?
Analytics cookies are generally not strictly necessary for a user to access a service and normally require consent under UK cookie rules unless a valid exemption applies.
Pro tip: save a dated copy of anything about manage cookie settings before you reply, so your cookies on this site timeline is complete if it is ever challenged.
Does the website use advertising cookies — what does our cookie policy say?
If advertising, affiliate links, sponsored content or remarketing are added, those technologies may involve optional cookies and should not be used without clear information and consent where required.
Pro tip: pair this with a check on analytics cookies — the two questions almost always come up together in cookies on this site cases.
Can I reject optional cookies — what does our cookie policy say?
Yes. Optional cookies such as analytics, advertising or similar tracking technologies should be rejectable where consent is required. You can also block cookies in your browser settings.
Pro tip: keep the paperwork covering opt out in the same file as your tenancy agreement so nothing has to be reconstructed later.
Cookie policy: will the website work if I block cookies?
Most guide content should remain readable, but some features such as forms, cookie preference storage, anti-spam checks, accessibility preferences or tool progress may not work as expected.
Pro tip: people often search “what cookies does this site use” at this point; the safest next step is to confirm analytics cookies in writing before any deadline passes.
Do tools store my answers, and where does our cookie policy explain it?
Some tools may use browser storage for temporary answers, progress or results. Avoid entering unnecessary sensitive information, especially on shared devices.
Pro tip: note the exact date this happened. Under the current England rules, cookies on this site outcomes often turn on timing rather than on the wording used.
How do I delete cookies, and where does our cookie policy explain it?
You can delete cookies and site data in your browser settings. Clearing data may remove saved preferences or tool information.
Pro tip: if anything here is disputed, ask for it in writing and keep the reply — written confirmation about essential cookies is worth far more than a phone call.
Cookie policy: do external websites have their own cookies?
Yes. If you click links to GOV.UK, Shelter, Citizens Advice, legislation.gov.uk or other external sources, those websites may use their own cookies and privacy policies.
Pro tip: check cookie policy at the same time; getting both right first time avoids having to redo the whole cookies on this site process.
Who can I contact about cookies when you are using our cookie policy?
Email contact@rentersrightstoolkit.co.uk or use the contact page if you have questions about cookies, consent controls or similar technologies on this website.
Pro tip: confirm the position on consent against the official source linked on this page rather than relying on a letting agent’s summary.
What does our cookie policy cover?
Our cookie policy explains how this website uses cookies in plain English. It sets out what applies, who it applies to and how it connects to the rest of the site, including the pages on essential cookies and analytics cookies. People usually reach our cookie policy after searching for cookie policy or cookies on this website, so it is written to answer those questions directly rather than to restate boilerplate.
Pro tip: if you need something specific from our cookie policy, use your browser’s find function — the headings are written around PECR and UK GDPR.
Who does our cookie policy apply to?
Our cookie policy applies to everyone who uses this site: private renters, landlords, letting agents, guarantors, advisers and anyone reading a guide or running a checker. It matters most if you are relying on the site for how this website uses cookies, or if you want to understand how analytics cookies and Google AdSense cookies are handled before you act on anything you read here.
Pro tip: if you are unsure whether our cookie policy covers your situation, ask before you rely on it rather than after.
How often is our cookie policy reviewed and updated?
Our cookie policy is reviewed on a regular cycle and updated whenever the underlying law, official guidance or site practice changes. Updates are checked against primary sources rather than secondary commentary, and material changes are noted on the page. Where something about Google AdSense cookies or consent has recently changed, our cookie policy says what applied before and what applies now.
Pro tip: note the review date if you are quoting our cookie policy in a complaint, letter or formal response.
How do I ask a question or raise an issue about our cookie policy?
Use the contact page to raise anything about our cookie policy, including a correction, a broken link, an accessibility barrier or a question about how this website uses cookies. Give the page address and, if you are reporting an error, the official source you think is correct — that makes it far quicker to verify. Questions about manage cookie settings or essential cookies are answered by pointing you to the relevant guide or checker rather than by giving advice on your individual case.
Pro tip: include the exact wording you are querying and the date you read it; pages covering browser settings are updated as guidance changes.
What related searches does our cookie policy answer, such as “cookie consent explained” or “cookie policy renting website”?
Our cookie policy is written to answer the questions people actually search for, including “cookie consent explained”, “cookie policy renting website”, “what cookies does this site use” and “how to turn off cookies”. Those searches usually come down to the same underlying question about how this website uses cookies. The page also covers the neighbouring points on essential cookies and analytics cookies, so you should not need to open three separate pages to get a straight answer.
Pro tip: if your exact wording is not covered, search the site for cookie policy or cookies on this website and open the closest guide or checker.
Does our cookie policy change my legal rights as a renter or landlord?
No. Our cookie policy describes how this site works and what you can expect from it. It does not change, replace or limit any statutory right or obligation, and nothing on this site is legal advice. Your rights on matters such as analytics cookies and Google AdSense cookies come from legislation and official guidance, which every relevant page cites. For a live dispute, deadline or safety issue, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice, a housing solicitor or your local council.
Pro tip: keep a dated copy of anything you rely on from this site, including the review date and the official source it cites.