UK lettings law
A plain-English summary of every Act that touches the private rented sector. We'll flag relevant items on each property as deadlines approach.
In detail
Click through to the official source for each Act. We update this page whenever the underlying law changes.
Abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, replaces ASTs with periodic tenancies, introduces a Decent Homes Standard for the PRS, bans rental bidding, and creates a national Landlord Ombudsman.
The Decent Homes Standard, long applied to social housing, is being extended to all private rented properties. Homes must meet baseline standards for repair, facilities and thermal comfort.
Strict timescales for landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould and other emergency hazards once reported by a tenant. Initially social sector, extending to PRS.
Strengthened duties on responsible persons in HMOs and blocks of flats - fire door checks, evacuation information, secure information boxes for taller buildings.
Landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years (EICR), with a copy to tenants and the local authority on request.
London's 90-night limit per calendar year remains; new national registration scheme for short-term lets is being introduced. Many councils now require planning permission for change of use.
Information shown is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
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