Legal & legislation
UK lettings law, explained
Search current legislation and see what you are required to do by law as a landlord, letting agent or property manager — starting with the Renters' Rights Act.
Renters' Rights Act: what has changed
The biggest change to renting in England for 30 years — fixed terms and section 21 are gone, and every assured tenancy becomes periodic.
Renters' Rights Act · Reviewed Aug 2026
Ending a tenancy and the possession grounds
Section 21 is abolished. Possession now requires a statutory ground, the right notice period and, if defended, a court order.
Tenancies & possession · Reviewed Aug 2026
Increasing the rent (section 13)
One increase a year, by notice, with at least two months before it takes effect and a right for the tenant to challenge it.
Rent & charges · Reviewed Aug 2026
Gas safety duties
An annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with the record given to tenants.
Safety & compliance · Reviewed Aug 2026
Electrical safety and the EICR
Fixed wiring must be inspected at least every five years and the report given to tenants.
Safety & compliance · Reviewed Aug 2026
EPC and minimum energy efficiency
A valid EPC is needed to market and let, and the property must meet the minimum rating unless a valid exemption is registered.
Safety & compliance · Reviewed Aug 2026
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
At least one smoke alarm on every storey, a CO alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance, tested on the first day of the tenancy.
Safety & compliance · Reviewed Aug 2026
Deposit protection and prescribed information
Protect the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days and serve the prescribed information.
Deposits · Reviewed Aug 2026
HMO and selective licensing
Large HMOs need a mandatory licence, and many councils run additional or selective schemes covering ordinary lets.
Licensing · Reviewed Aug 2026
Right to Rent checks
Check every adult occupier's immigration status before the tenancy starts, and keep dated copies.
Lettings & tenants · Reviewed Aug 2026
Repairs, hazards and Awaab's Law
Your repairing duties, the HHSRS hazard system and the new fixed timescales for damp, mould and serious hazards.
Standards & repairs · Reviewed Aug 2026
The Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector
A minimum standard of condition, facilities and warmth applied to private rentals for the first time.
Standards & repairs · Reviewed Aug 2026
Ombudsman redress and the Private Rented Sector Database
Private landlords must join an ombudsman scheme and register themselves and their properties.
Renters' Rights Act · Reviewed Aug 2026
Tenant fees and permitted payments
Only a short list of payments can be charged to tenants — everything else is banned.
Rent & charges · Reviewed Aug 2026
Discrimination, pets and rental bidding
Blanket bans on benefits claimants and families are unlawful, pet requests must be considered, and you cannot invite offers above the advertised rent.
Lettings & tenants · Reviewed Aug 2026
Data protection duties for landlords and agents
UK GDPR applies to tenant and applicant data — collect less, keep it securely and delete it on time.
Data protection · Reviewed Aug 2026
Signed-in landlords and agents see the same guides with a live checklist scored against their own properties — gas, electrical, EPC, deposits, licensing and Right to Rent.
This is general guidance on the law in the UK, not legal advice. Rules change and the right answer depends on your circumstances — check the official sources linked on each guide and take professional advice before acting.