Landlord Obligations

The private rented sector is changing quickly. New nationwide protections for renters, tighter safety and repair duties, expanding local licensing, and stepped-up energy-efficiency requirements mean landlords must keep documentation, certificates and licensing up to date — and act faster on repairs. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, civil claims and enforcement by local authorities. 

Key legal changes & why they matter

• Abolition of ‘Section 21’ no-fault evictions / Renters’ Rights Act reforms — Landlords in England can no longer use Section 21 “no-fault” notices to regain possession. The new Renters’ Rights Act changes possession processes and expands grounds under Section 8. This affects how and when a landlord can regain a property. (Essential: review possession grounds and pre-conditions before serving notices).
   
• New social-housing repair duties (Awaab’s Law) and private sector implications — Awaab’s Law (effective Oct 27, 2025 in the social rented sector) places strict timeframes on investigating and fixing emergency hazards and significant damp/mould. Similar private-sector protections are being phased in through broader renter protections; landlords should treat damp/mould and emergency hazards as urgent.
   
• HMO & local licensing expansion — Councils are increasingly using mandatory, additional and selective licensing schemes, and more HMOs and smaller shared houses are now captured. Check local authority licensing rules before taking on or converting to multiple-occupancy lets. Non-compliance risks fines and criminal prosecution.
   
• Energy efficiency (EPC/MEES timelines) — Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards still require a minimum EPC for many lets, and government policy is moving towards a C minimum by 2030 for private rented homes. Landlords should plan retrofit and certificate updates now.
   
• Right to Rent and tenant checks — Right to Rent guidance has recent updates; carry out checks correctly and keep records. Updated guidance reduces technical complexity but keeps obligations for landlords to verify tenants’ immigration status where required.
   

Practical landlord obligations checklist

• Tenancy paperwork
  • Use up-to-date tenancy agreements (review clauses for new possession procedures).
     
• Deposits
  • Protect tenant deposits in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days and provide prescribed information.
     
• Safety certificates
  • Gas: Annual gas safety (CP12) where applicable.
  • Electrical: EICR (electrical inspection) every 5 years (or earlier if required).
  • Smoke & CO alarms: Ensure alarms are installed and working (requirements depend on property type).
     
• Energy & EPC
  • Display/provide EPC on new lets; plan to meet higher standards ahead of 2030 MEES changes.
     
• Repairs & mould
  • Investigate and act quickly on damp/mould and emergency hazards — document reports, investigations and remedial actions. (Treat mould complaints as urgent).
     
• Licensing & planning
  • Check whether your property requires: HMO licence (mandatory for larger HMOs), additional HMO licensing, or selective licensing from the local council. Apply before letting.
     
• Right to Rent checks
  • Carry out checks per current Home Office guidance and retain records.
  • Anti-discrimination & tenant treatment
  • Avoid discriminatory advertising (e.g., “no benefits”) — new renter protections increase enforcement and fines for discriminatory practices.
     
• Record keeping
  • Keep tenancy agreements, certificates, correspondence, inventories and repair records for at least several years (helpful for disputes and compliance).