Lettings Legislation

Changes introduced by the most recent Housing Act are an imposition for Landlords and Letting Agents. Fail to comply with the Deposit or HMO legislation you will have problems regaining possession. If in doubt call the Members Helpline.

Law The Housing Acts Landlords must operate within these laws as failure to comply with them can lead to jail, severe fines and prevent them from ever letting out properties again. Below are some of Legislation and Housing ACTs the Landlord must comply with:

Housing Act 2004 -

was scheduled to come into force on 6th April 2006 but was delayed to 1st October, changed the way properties are inspected, licensed and registered and the way in which deposits are handled.

Deposit Protection of Tenants Monies (April 2007)
A new Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) gives local authorities extended powers to target health and safety issues.
The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Sexual overcrowding which prohibits over-12s sharing sleeping accommodation with members of the opposite sex unless they live together as husband and wife.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places specific fire safety duties on persons who have control of premises, including common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

Housing Act 1996 restrictions on used Section 21 Notices .

For related Letters Notices & Forms see Document Center

Law & Housing Acts		Rent Related Issues
Health & Safety		Housing Benefits LHA
Possession Eviction Related		Claims against the Landlord
Landlord Maintenance & Repair		Compare Eviction Notices
HMO Law & Selective Licensing		How Tenants Can Delay Eviction
Electric Gas, Water		Eviction Time Frames
Tenancy Deposit Law		How to Apply For Possession
Landlords Tax		Landlord Law Index

Letting is fraught with compliance issues, it is important that Landlords and Letting Agents fully understand their obligations and are compliant with the current legislation such as:-

Rent Arrears Landlord Law Landlord legal compliance procedures for dealing with rent arrears letters and serving notice.
GAS Landlord Law Annual Gas Safety check by Gas Safe Engineer [No longer corgi] see Gas Regulations .
EPC Landlord LawFor all new [not renewals] after Oct 08 providing an Energy Performance Certificate .
Deposits Landlord Law Compliance with the new Landlord Tenancy Deposit rules.
Electrics Landlord LawEnsure Electrical Safety and compliance of supplies with Building Regs Part P.
Furnishings Landlord Law The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided under the tenancy. See Furniture and Furnishings.
Safety Landlord Law Ensuring that the property is fit for habitation. See HHSRS and Health & Safety.
Repairs Landlord Law repairing and keeping in working order the room and water heating equipment see Landlord Repair Obligations .
HMO Landlord LawThe common areas in multi-occupancy dwellings, see HMO and Smoking in rented premises.
Discrimination Landlord LawCompliance with Letting Legislation amongst others the Disability Discrimination Act, Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act also apply to anyone in letting,
Providing a Tenancy Agreement Landlord Law Since March 1997 a Tenant has the right to ask their Landlord to provide a statement of the terms of their tenancy. The information that must be provided is contained in our tenancy agreement.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997 - Makes it a crime and tort (civil wrong or injury) to harass someone and if that person knows, or ought to know then their behaviour amounts to harassment.