The Buck Stops With You: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
Did you know there are over 170 pieces of legislation landlords must follow? From safety certificates to deposit protection, the private rented sector is one of the most tightly regulated markets in the UK. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most important laws and responsibilities you can’t afford to miss.
The Laws That Shaped Renting
A few of the big ones you may have heard of:
- Housing Act 1988 – the game-changer that introduced Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and Section 21 notices.
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – sets out your repairing obligations and requires properties to be “fit for human habitation”.
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 – makes annual gas safety checks a legal requirement.
- The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015 – requires all rentals to meet minimum EPC standards.
- Tenant Fees Act 2019 – banned most tenant fees and capped deposits.
And that’s only scratching the surface. Fail to comply and you risk hefty fines, invalid eviction notices, or even prison.
What Landlords Must Do Every Day
- Safety Certificates – gas and electrics must be inspected regularly, with certificates issued to tenants.
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) – currently all rental properties need an “E” or above, with plans for this to rise to a “C”.
- Right to Rent checks – all tenants must be legally entitled to rent in the UK.
- Repairs & Maintenance – Section 11 of the 1985 Act makes you responsible for the structure, services, and overall habitability of the property.
Why It Pays to Use Professionals
We often meet landlords who don’t realise they’ve missed critical legal steps — deposits not protected, “How to Rent” guides not served, or expired gas certificates. That leaves them exposed to penalties and unable to legally evict if needed.
Our lettings team deal with these laws every day, so you don’t have to. We make sure you stay compliant, your tenants stay safe, and your investment is protected.
Contact our lettings team to discuss how we can help you manage the legal side of letting.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant
The bottom line: as a landlord, the buck stops with you. But with the right advice and support, compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. At Oakley, we take compliance seriously so you don’t have to lose sleep over it. From tenancy agreements to safety checks, we’ll make sure your property is fully protected, legally let, and managed with care.
