Standards and guidance for landlords

We have detailed below some of the main types of landlord legislation that landlords must observe.

Right to Rent

On 16 October 2020 the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published an updated step-by-step guide for any landlord of private residential property in England to determine whether a prospective tenant has the right to rent that property. More information can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Protecting tenants deposits

The Government is bringing forward new rules that require all private rented property agents to sign up to approved schemes to protect renters` and landlords` money. Under the regulation, which take effect from 1 April, agents could face fines of up to £30,000 if they fail to sign up to one of the Government approved schemes.

The new requirement on agents to join an approved client money protection (CMP) scheme is intended to stop tenants and landlords being left out of pocket when uninsured agents unexpectedly go bankrupt or abscond with their money, giving people reassurance that their money is safe while it is with their agent.

The schemes that have so far received government approval are: CM Protect, UKALA, NALS, ARLA Propertymark and Money Shield.

Property Redress Scheme

If you’re a property manager or letting agent you have to be a member of a Government backed property redress scheme by law. The Government has produced this guidance document (PDF, 281KB) which explains if this law applies to you.

Energy Performance

It is now illegal to rent a property that does not achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band E (SAP 38) or above. Please note that most electrically heated properties will not be able to achieve this basic rating. You can find the energy efficiency rating of any property by postcode:

Minimum energy efficiency standard

The Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) was introduced in March 2015 by Part 3 of the Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015. The Regulations were introduced to tackle the least energy efficient properties in England and Wales which are rated F or G on their EPC.

The Regulations establish a minimum standard of EPC band E for both domestic and non-domestic private rented properties affecting new tenancies and renewals since 1 April 2018.

You can find guidance and advice on the regulations on the GOV.UK website.

Universal Credit Information for landlords

The following links provide landlords with the guidance and information they need should their tenant be claiming Universal Credit.