Information for first-time landlords

There are many things to be aware of if you wish to let your property out.

These can include checking with your mortgage lender (if the property is mortgaged) to ensure they have no objections to you letting and ensuring your financial obligations (such as tax and benefits) are all correct and in order.

There are many laws – including new rules brought in with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 that increasingly govern how properties in England are let.

A number of years ago, the government also produced a guide for landlords called how to let (GOV.UK) which we would recommend you read but remain mindful of the changes brought in with the Renters’ Rights Act.

Some of the basics you will need to do are:

• Ensure the property is fit for human habitation, free from significant hazards when the tenancy commences and remains fit and free from hazards throughout the tenancy 
• Abide by the provisions in the Tenant Fees Act 2019, which bans charging unfair fees to tenants in connection with a tenancy, and caps tenancy deposits and holding deposits, and taking more than one month rent in advance
• Protecting tenancy deposits in a government-approved scheme. For further information, please visit tenancy deposit protection (GOV.UK)
• Providing tenants with a copy of the how to rent: the checklist for renting in England (GOV.UK)
• Keeping the property in a good state of repair. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring the property is free from damp and mould. Following the death of Awaab Ishak in 2020, the government has produced a guidance document for all landlords on how to understand the causes and addressing damp and mould in their properties. The guidance can be found by visiting understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home (GOV.UK) Extra laws will be coming into force in due course to ensure certain repairs are addressed by landlords within strict timescales
• Carrying out gas safety checks and giving a copy of the certificate to the tenant(s) before the start of the tenancy and annually thereafter
• Obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), if required, and giving a copy to the tenant at the earliest opportunity. Currently EPCs must show a minimum rating of no lower than E is met. By 2030 this will increase to a minimum efficiency rating of C
• Ensuring electrical installations and appliances are safe by having an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), completed before the tenancy commences and then again every five years and providing a copy of the valid EICR when the tenancy starts and whenever re-tested throughout the duration of the tenancy
• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. For further information visit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: explanatory booklet for landlords (GOV.UK). In regard to smoke alarms, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as mains powered (‘hard-wired’) or battery powered) that should be installed. However, other applicable safety legislation enforced by the council will almost always require smoke and heat alarms be installed in compliance with the latest version of British Standard BS 5839-6. This British Standard currently requires a Grade D1 fire alarm system with LD2 coverage in all private rented accommodation – that being a mains-powered interlinked fire alarm system of one or more detectors, each with a tamperproof standby supply (battery backup). The system shall incorporate detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all specified rooms or areas that present a high fire risk to occupants, including any kitchen and the principal habitable room
• Making sure that the tenant has the correct contact details for you and/or your agent, if you plan to use one, including a telephone number they can use in case of an emergency. Under section 48 Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, you are required to provide your tenant with your name and an address (which must be in England or Wales) where they can serve any notices on you. The rent due under the tenancy agreement will not be ‘lawfully due’ until you have done so

Last updated: 02/06/2026 14:47