Legal Must for Landlords

LEGAL MUSTS FOR LANDLORDS AND LETTING AGENTS

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned professional, staying compliant with current UK rental laws is absolutely essential. Falling short of legal obligations can lead to fines, loss of possession rights, or worse — putting both your property and reputation at risk. At MyHouses, we take these requirements seriously and ensure that all landlords we work with are properly informed and protected.
Here’s a breakdown of the current legal requirements (2025) every landlord and letting agent should follow:


1. Gas Safety Regulations

If your property has gas appliances, you must:

  • Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • Provide a copy of the most recent Gas Safety Certificate to your tenant before they move in.
  • Ensure no more than 12 months pass between checks.
  • Failure to comply can invalidate your right to serve a Section 21 notice (England).


2. Fire Safety (Including the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022)

  • For HMOs and multi-unit blocks, a written fire risk assessment is mandatory.
  • New laws (2023 onwards) require high-rise and multi-storey properties to provide fire door checks, wayfinding signage, and additional safety measures.
  • For single-let properties, while a full written risk assessment isn’t mandatory, ensuring basic fire precautions is good practice.

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  • Properties must have a valid EPC (rated E or above, with C expected by 2028).
  • A copy must be provided to the tenant before tenancy begins.
  • Without it, you cannot serve a Section 21.


4. Licensable HMOs

  • If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation, check whether a mandatory, additional, or selective licenceis required in your local authority.
  • Failing to obtain one can result in civil penalties of up to £30,000, rent repayment orders, and a block on using Section 21.


5. Electrical Safety Standards

  • Landlords must ensure Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are carried out every 5 years.
  • Applies to all tenancies in England since April 2021 — not just HMOs.
  • A copy must be given to existing and new tenants, and remedial work (if required) must be completed within 28 days.


6. Electrical Appliances

  • Any portable electrical appliances you provide must be safe.
  • While PAT testing isn’t legally required, it’s highly recommended, especially in HMOs.


7. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (2022 Update)

  • Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of a rented property.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are now legally required in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (e.g., boilers, fireplaces — not just solid fuel).
  • All alarms must be tested and working at the start of each tenancy.


8. Legionella Risk Assessment

  • You must carry out a legionella risk assessment for all rental properties.
  • In most domestic settings, this can be done without costly lab testing, unless there is a high-risk water system.


9. Deposit Protection

  • Any deposit taken under an assured short-hold tenancy must be protected in one of the three government-approved schemes.
  • You must serve prescribed information to the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit.


10. Rent Payments & Fees

  • Any advance rent or fees must be clearly explained — avoid confusion with deposits.
  • Holding deposits are capped at one week’s rent and must follow the rules of the Tenant Fees Act 2019.


11. ‘How to Rent’ Guide

  • In England, landlords must give tenants the latest version of the government’s “How to Rent” guide at the start of a tenancy.
  • Failure to do so invalidates any attempt to serve a Section 21 notice.


12. Illegal Eviction & Harassment

  • It is unlawful to evict tenants without a Court Order.
  • Even if rent is in arrears or the tenant has breached terms, you must follow the correct legal eviction process.
  • Harassment (e.g., entering without notice, cutting off utilities) is a criminal offence.


13. Letting Agent Requirements

Agents must clearly display:
Their fees (in-office and online).

  • Whether they have Client Money Protection.
  • Their redress scheme membership (e.g. The Property Ombudsman).
  • Transparency is now a legal obligation under the Consumer Rights Act 2015


Need Support or a Compliance Check?

At MyHouses, we offer guidance and hands-on support to ensure all your lettings meet legal requirements — saving you time, worry, and potential penalties.
Get in touch to book your compliance check or speak with one of our property specialists today.