Landlord obligations

What are your obligations as a landlord?

Although being a landlord is relatively straightforward, it's not as easy as simply letting out a property and collecting the rent at the beginning of each month.

The private rented sector (PRS) is sometimes described as the "most regulated unregulated business".

Now the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has moved the PRS as close to being regulated as possible, with 100s of laws, legislative documents and rules to follow. Breach any compliance aspect and landlords can be fined, prosecuted and even imprisoned! Reading the Government’s Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is essential.

Whilst there is a lot of media hype about "rogue" landlords, it is our belief that the majority of landlords are decent, honest and hard-working people who simply do not understand their legal obligations. However, ignorance is certainly not an excuse, and this article aims to help educate landlords as to what is required of them.

Remember, providing a safe and compliant home for your tenant is a legal requirement.

If, as a landlord, you are not sure of your obligations, then the most sensible thing to do is either go for a "fully managed" service with a reputable lettings agent, or educate yourself via on-line research and joining a landlords’ association, which provides support and resources.

There are several associations to choose from including the National Residential Landlords Association and the Guild of Residential Landlords.

There are also landlord forums run by the Housing Department within local councils, and they meet regularly to discuss the local area and up-date landlords on legislation changes.

For the self-managing landlord, here are a few of the most important compliance obligations:

• Starting and managing any eviction process in line with revised Section 8 notices (new notice periods and grounds for possession)
• Joining the PRS ombudsman
• Registering with the landlords’ database
• Protecting the tenant's deposit and serving the Prescribed Information to them within 30 days
• Maintaining the property’s structure and exterior
• Maintaining heating and water systems, including commissioning a Legionella Risk Assessment
• Complying with fire safety laws, including the provision and checking of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and sometimes fire doors
• Ensuring the safety of gas appliances (these need to be checked annually and a Gas Safe certificate issued)
• Ensuring electrics are safe and possessing a valid EICR (electrical installation condition report)
• Holding a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property
• Ensuring furniture supplied meets fire safety regulations
• Undertaking repairs in a timely manner
• Ensuring the property is free from damp and mould, with adequate ventilation
• Preparing for incoming legislation, including Awaab’s Law and a Decent Homes Standard

The Government's comprehensive Guide to landlord obligations is another useful resource.

As a landlord, you must also declare your rental income to HMRC and pay tax on the income, minus any expenses. A reputable property-specialist accountant will help you prepare your accounts, advising if you need to report using the Making Tax Digital initiative.

While there are a number of risks and pitfalls, if you buy the right property in the right location and put the right tenant in the property, making sure that you are fully compliant, you minimise the chances of stress, problems and financial loss. A content tenant is also likely to stay longer, minimising void periods. A well maintained property also maintains its value, lets more quickly and achieves a higher rent. It is a false economy not to make regular inspections and undertake a maintenance schedule.

Open Property Group have a mission to raise standards and improve customer experience.