Legal obligations
As a UK landlord, you have a range of legal obligations before and during a tenancy. Failure to comply can result in fines, prosecution, and in some cases the inability to evict tenants.
Before a tenancy starts
- Carry out Right to Rent checks on all adult occupants
- Provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate (if gas appliances present)
- Provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E or above
- Install working smoke alarms on every floor
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel appliances
- Provide the government's How to Rent guide
- Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
Fluxo tracks all of these automatically — with expiry alerts before any certificate or document runs out.
Tenancy agreements
Most residential tenancies in England use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). This gives the tenant a minimum 6-month occupancy right and allows you to regain possession using the correct legal process.
Key AST terms to include
- Names of all tenants and landlord
- Property address
- Start and end date
- Rent amount and payment date
- Deposit amount and scheme details
- Responsibilities for repairs and maintenance
- Notice periods
Deposits
Security deposits are capped at 5 weeks' rent (for annual rent under £50,000). You must protect the deposit in one of three government-approved schemes within 30 days of receiving it:
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
You must provide the tenant with prescribed information about the scheme within 30 days. Failure to protect the deposit means you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice, and tenants can claim compensation of 1–3× the deposit amount.
Compliance & safety
| Certificate | Required when | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate | Gas appliances present | 1 year |
| EICR (Electrical) | All rentals | 5 years |
| EPC | All rentals | 10 years (min E rating) |
| Legionella risk assessment | All rentals | 2 years recommended |
| PAT testing | Furnished lettings | Annual recommended |
Tax & finance
Rental income is taxable. You must declare it on a Self Assessment tax return each year. Key points:
- Rental income is added to your other income and taxed at your marginal rate
- You can deduct allowable expenses including repairs, insurance, letting agent fees, and mortgage interest (subject to restrictions)
- Since April 2020, mortgage interest relief is restricted to the basic rate (20%) for individual landlords
- You may be able to claim a 10% wear and tear allowance for furnished properties
- Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell a rental property
Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your situation.
Maintenance responsibilities
As a landlord you are responsible for the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water systems, sinks, baths and sanitary fittings, and electrical wiring. Tenants are responsible for minor repairs and internal decoration.
You must carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe. Emergency repairs (no heating in winter, water leak) should be addressed within 24 hours.
Eviction process
Section 21 — no-fault eviction
Allows you to end a tenancy without giving a reason after the fixed term ends. You must give at least 2 months' notice. Cannot be used if the deposit isn't protected or required documents weren't provided.
Section 8 — fault-based eviction
Used when a tenant has breached the tenancy agreement. The most common ground is rent arrears (Ground 8 — mandatory if 2+ months in arrears).
Note: The Renters Reform Bill may significantly change eviction rules. Always check current legislation before proceeding.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
A property is an HMO if it is rented to 3 or more people from different households who share facilities. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with 5 or more occupants from 2+ households.
HMO landlords have additional obligations including minimum room sizes, fire safety measures, and amenity standards. Contact your local council for specific requirements.