Advice for landlords

You’re a landlord if you rent out your property. As a landlord you must:

• keep your rented properties safe and free from health hazards.
• make sure all gas equipment and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained.
• provide an energy performance certificate for the property.
• protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme.
• check your tenant has the right to rent your property.
• give your tenant a copy of the how to rent checklist when they start renting from you (you can email it to them).
• fit and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
• follow fire safety regulations for property in a purpose-built block of flats or for houses and property adapted into flats.
• ensure your property complies with the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS).
• pay the following income tax on your rental income and national insurance if the work you do renting out property counts as running a business.
• if you own a house in multiple occupation (HMO) that is rented out to five or more people, who form two or more families, and who share facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen, sink or toilet, you must have a valid HMO licence - find out how to apply.

If you have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out, you must get permission from your mortgage lender.

With so many requirements to comply with, we recommend all landlords join the National Landlords Association Accreditation Scheme which provides advice, guidance and support and recognises reputable landlords/agents who provide their tenants with high quality and safe accommodation.

We will investigate health and safety concerns about private rented housing in line with the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) - find out more.