Landlord Compliance and Legal Responsibilities

Landlords and letting agents must provide tenants with the prescribed written information required under the current tenancy rules.

Different requirements may apply depending on when the tenancy started.

Further information: Written Tenancy Information – GOV.UK

Any tenancy deposit taken must be protected in a Government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it.

The required prescribed information must also be provided within the applicable period.

Further information: Tenancy Deposit Protection – GOV.UK

Landlords and letting agents must comply with the current restrictions on rent in advance and rental bidding.

Rental advertisements must state the asking rent, and landlords or agents must not ask for, encourage or accept an offer above that amount.

Further information: Renters’ Rights Act – Information for Landlords – GOV.UK

Rent increases for Assured Periodic Tenancies must follow the statutory Section 13 process.

Landlords must use the prescribed Form 4A and comply with the applicable notice period and restrictions on the frequency of rent increases.

Tenants may refer a proposed increase to the First-tier Tribunal where appropriate.

Further information: Rent Increases – GOV.UK

Section 21 possession is no longer available for most private Assured Periodic Tenancies.

Landlords must use an appropriate statutory ground for possession and follow the correct notice procedure.

Further information: Repossessing Your Privately Rented Property – GOV.UK

Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must consider requests in accordance with current legislation.

Further information: Renters’ Rights Act – Information for Landlords – GOV.UK

Landlords and letting agents must comply with the Equality Act 2010 and current rules relating to discrimination in the private rented sector.

This includes protections relating to applicants with children and those receiving benefits.

Further information: Renters’ Rights Act – Information for Landlords – GOV.UK

Required Right to Rent checks must be carried out for relevant adult occupiers in accordance with current Home Office requirements.

Further information: Right to Rent Checks – GOV.UK

Landlords must ensure that gas and electrical installations are safe and that the required inspections and certification are completed within the applicable timescales.

This includes annual Gas Safety checks where applicable and periodic electrical inspections.

Further information: Landlord Safety Responsibilities – GOV.UK

Required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in accordance with current regulations and maintained appropriately.

A carbon monoxide alarm is generally required in rooms used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.

Further information: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Guidance – GOV.UK

A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must normally be available before a property is marketed for letting and provided as required.

Landlords must also comply with applicable minimum energy efficiency requirements.

Further information: Energy Performance Certificates – GOV.UK

Landlords are responsible for keeping rented properties safe and in a suitable condition, including relevant structural elements and installations for water, heating, sanitation, gas and electricity.

Further information: Landlord Responsibilities – GOV.UK

Houses in Multiple Occupation may require an HMO licence.

Additional or Selective Licensing schemes may also apply depending on the local authority area.

Further information: Houses in Multiple Occupation – GOV.UK

The Government is introducing the Register Your Rental Property service under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Landlords with applicable properties will be required to register in accordance with the Government’s implementation arrangements.

Property Market Hub will be able to assist managed landlords with the registration process and ongoing annual renewal requirements, where authorised to do so, subject to the Government’s final arrangements for landlords appointing an agent or other representative to complete registration on their behalf.

Further information: Renters’ Rights Act Implementation – GOV.UK

Only payments permitted under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, as amended, may be charged to tenants or prospective tenants.

Further information: Fees You Can Charge – GOV.UK