Landlord Guide 2025

In the United Kingdom, one in five British families rent, so this is a fortuitous time to
become a landlord. To be a successful landlord you need to:

(a) be a responsible landlord
(b) own a habitable property that can be rented out
(c) find a responsible tenant
(d) have an effective Tenancy Agreement.

How to be a Responsible Landlord

When doing your research into the process of becoming a landlord, ensure the property can be rented.

Buy-to-let mortgages are specifically for landlords. If you have a normal mortgage on a property you now want to let, check whether a ‘consent to rent’ application is
required from the mortgage lender. To let a leasehold property subletting must be
allowed on the lease agreement.To let a property purchased as part of a shared
ownership scheme requires agreement from the other parties.

To let a property to three or more unrelated people, an HMO licence from the local council in England and Wales, or Scotland, is required. In Northern Ireland, apply online through the NIHE.

● Register as a business owner; register for self-assessment with HMRC.
● Abide by relevant legislation.

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is the foundational legislation. Once the Act is
understood, any amendments to the Act can be viewed on the official government
website page for the Act.

In England, check with the local Council for local licensing requirements and local
authority schemes, such as Selective Licensing schemes, Additional and Mandatory
Licensing, and Public Registers. Provide tenants with a copy of the government’s
‘How to Rent’ guide and a ‘Tenant Information Pack’.

In Wales, register with Rent Smart Wales and provide tenants with the Rent Smart
Wales Tenant Guide.
In Scotland, join the landlord register.
In Northern Ireland, provide a ‘rent book’.

Compliance with the Tenant Fees Act is necessary. New rules on rent increases and
evictions must be understood.
– Decide whether to let privately or through a letting agency.
– Letting agencies must be licensed.
– To let property privately, a licence as a ‘self-managing landlord’ is required.
– Advertise your property.

It is necessary to make use of an estate agency if the property is to be advertised on
large cost-effective portals, due to the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991
Other options are local press, smaller portals like FindaFlat, message boards like
Gumtree and social media.

High quality photographs are a must, descriptions of the property should be detailed
and virtual tours are a good idea.

Ensure the property looks its best in the viewing process and if it is to be let
unfurnished ensure it is unfurnished for the viewings.

Here are some of your other responsibilities as a landlord.

● Responsibly perform required duties.
● Ensure the property is ‘habitable’
● Make regular, non-intrusive, property checks
● Set up standing orders and tracking systems for rent collection
● Conduct Health and Safety checks
● See to repairs promptly
● Maintain the property using reliable contractors with emergency protocols in
place
● Provide an ‘essentials’ kit when the tenant moves in
● Place the tenant’s deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme within
thirty days
● Deal with tenant disputes
● Establish clear communication channels for tenant queries and issues
● Document all interactions, payments and maintenance
● Affordable rent. Ensure you charge a realistic rent. Consult other landlords in the area and compare with similar properties being rented.

● Responsibly cover necessary costs
● Specialised buildings and content insurance policies covering structure and
liability
● Tax
● Repair and maintenance
● Utility bills
● Costs associated with a property being empty
● Agency fees if a letting agent is used
● Mortgage repayments

Habitable Property

The property needs to be in a state of good repair both inside and out; Homes
(Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.

From a plumbing perspective, the heating and plumbing systems need to be
maintained and repaired in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1998. An annual safety check by a Gas Safe Engineer of all gas
appliances, fittings and flues is a legal requirement. A regular maintenance contract
with trusted professionals, such as MP Plumbing, is advised. View more information about Landlords’ gas safety certificates. An EICR also needs to be carried out every five years.

Regarding water, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations ensure that
plumbing systems prevent waste, misuse and contamination of the water supply. A
Legionella risk assessment is a good idea.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with an energy efficiency rating of E or
above, (which is set to become C or above by 2030) from an accredited Domestic
Energy Assessor (DEA) is legally required.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, based on an inspection of all electrical
items, at the beginning of every new tenancy, and every five years after, is legally
required. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should also be in working order.

How to be a Responsible Tenant

Check the rental demand through rental listings on websites for the area.
Keep in mind that discrimination based on certain characteristics is unlawful
according to the Equality Act 2010.

In England, right to rent checks must be conducted. All tenants aged 18 and over
must be legally allowed to live in Britain. A photocopy of the documents that prove
their rights should be kept.

Conduct background checks on prospective tenants. The National Landlords
Association offers comprehensive background checks in terms of credit history,
current debt, evictions, and criminal records. Public records would show if a
prospective tenant has been sued for child support, unpaid rent or similar. Answers
to the questions on the tenancy application should provide information about the
person’s character, lifestyle, and finances.

Tenancy Agreement

A Tenancy Agreement is the contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out
the legal terms and conditions both parties are expected to follow. Landlords can get
access to solicitor-approved tenancy agreements as part of membership fees in a
landlords’ association.

General legal requirements and advice

England
· Gov.uk
Wales
· Rent Smart Wales
Scotland
· MyGov.scot
Northern Ireland
· Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Registration and licensing

England
· Registration – Landlord registration not required
· Licensing – HMO licence application
Wales
· Registration – Rent Smart Wales landlord registration
· Licensing – HMO licence application
Scotland
· Registration – Landlord Registration application
· Licensing – HMO licence application
Northern Ireland
· Registration – NI Direct landlord registration
· Licensing – HMO licence application