Thinking of Becoming a Landlord? Key UK Legislation & Helpful FAQs
What are the basic legal responsibilities of a UK landlord?
When you become a landlord, you take on several important legal duties. These exist to ensure tenants live in safe, secure and well-maintained homes.
Your key responsibilities include:
• Providing safe, habitable accommodation
Your property must be structurally safe and free from serious hazards. Gas appliances must be safety checked annually, electrics must be safe, by having a satisfactory electrical installation condition report in place at all times. You must provide working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Maintaining the property and carrying out repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the fabric of the building, including plumbing, heating, electrical systems, roofs, windows, and common areas. Tenants must report issues, and landlords must respond within reasonable timeframes.
• Checking a tenant’s ‘Right to Rent’
In England, landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to live in the UK before a tenancy starts. This includes ID checks and keeping copies of documents.
• Protecting the tenancy deposit
If you take a deposit, it must be placed in a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme. You must also provide tenants with prescribed information within 30 days.
These responsibilities form the foundation of landlord compliance, but there’s much more to consider depending on the type of property and tenancy
Do I need to pay tax on rental income?
Yes. Rental income must be declared to HMRC. You can claim allowable expenses — such as letting agent fees, maintenance costs, and insurance — to reduce your tax bill. If you earn above the personal allowance, you’ll pay income tax on your profits.
Can I ask for multiple months’ rent in advance?
Not under upcoming rules. Landlords are generally limited to requesting one month’s rent upfront. Deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent (or six weeks if the annual rent exceeds £50,000). These caps help prevent tenants being unfairly burdened with large upfront costs.
What type of tenancy will I be offering?
Traditionally, landlords used Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) with fixed terms. However, reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 are expected to shift most tenancies to rolling, periodic arrangements. This means no more fixed terms — instead, tenancies run month to month, giving tenants more flexibility.
What are the rules around evictions?
The most significant change for landlords is the removal of ‘no-fault’ Section 21 evictions. Landlords will now need to rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession, such as selling the property, moving in themselves, or dealing with serious rent arrears or antisocial behaviour. Proper notice periods and documentation will be essential.
Can I increase the rent whenever I want?
No. Rent increases must follow a formal process — typically a statutory notice served with the correct timeframe. Under new reforms, landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year, and increases must be reasonable and reflect market value.
Are Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions still allowed?
No. Section 21 evictions are being abolished. This means landlords must now have a valid legal reason to end a tenancy, such as selling the property, moving in themselves, or dealing with serious rent arrears or tenant misconduct.
What type of tenancy will I be offering under the new rules?
Most tenancies will shift to rolling periodic tenancies rather than fixed terms. These renew automatically each month, giving tenants greater stability while still allowing landlords to end the tenancy using legitimate grounds.
How much rent in advance or deposit can I ask for?
There are strict caps in place. Deposits are limited to five weeks’ rent (or six weeks for higher-value rents), and landlords can generally only request one month’s rent in advance. This is to make renting more affordable and transparent.
Are property standards becoming stricter?
Yes. Updated legislation is expected to tighten requirements around property condition, including improved heating efficiency, safety standards, and faster responsiveness to reported issues. Landlords may face higher expectations around repairs and maintenance.
Why is keeping up with legislation important for new landlords?
Because compliance is essential for avoiding penalties, disputes, and legal issues. Staying informed helps ensure your tenancy agreements, safety checks, documentation, and communication all meet current legal standards. Which is why ensuring you choose the right agency for your property management is key.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Landlords
How MoveZone Property Can Support New Landlords
Stepping into the role of landlord can feel overwhelming — and that’s where MoveZone Property comes in. We help landlords navigate complex legislation with confidence, ensuring that every box is ticked from the moment you decide to let your property.
Our landlord support includes:
- Guidance on tenancy types and legal requirements
- Right to Rent checks and full tenant vetting
- Deposit protection and documentation handling
- Arranging safety certificates and compliance checks
- Rent collection and arrears management
- Full property management and maintenance support
Whether you're letting your first property or expanding a growing portfolio, MoveZone is here to support you every step of the way. Why not get in touch today!
