Legal Essentials for Landlords: Your Responsibilities and Rights

Brions Estate Agents  Expert Local Guidance for Landlords in Aylesbury and Beyond

Letting out a property can be a rewarding investment, but it comes with a long list of legal duties. In 2025, the landscape for private landlords in England is more regulated than ever, with tighter compliance rules and a stronger emphasis on tenant safety and security.

At Brions Estate Agents, we work closely with landlords across Aylesbury, Tring, Wendover, Haddenham, and surrounding villages to help them stay compliant, profitable, and protected. Here’s your comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the legal responsibilities all landlords must understand in 2025.

You have a legal obligation to ensure your property is safe and fit for tenants to live in. That includes complying with specific regulations:

General Condition
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, rental properties must be structurally sound, well maintained and free from serious hazards such as mould, damp, pests, poor ventilation, or unsafe wiring.

Gas Safety
You must have all gas appliances, flues and pipework inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A Gas Safety Certificate must be issued and shared with tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

Electrical Safety
You must obtain a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, and ensure any recommended remedial work is completed within 28 days. This includes fixed wiring, fuse boxes, sockets and light fittings.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• A working smoke alarm must be installed on each floor.

• Carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (e.g. wood-burning stove).

• Alarms must be tested at the start of each tenancy and repaired or replaced if faulty.

Letting legislation can be complex, but we’re here to help. At Brions Estate Agents, we’ll guide you through your legal responsibilities and support you every step of the way to let and manage your property with confidence.

Let and manage your property with confidence

Energy Efficiency
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of E or higher is required to legally let your property. Government proposals may raise the minimum to C for new tenancies in future  so improvements now could future-proof your investment.

Fire Safe Furniture
If your property is furnished, all soft furnishings must comply with fire safety regulations and carry proper labelling.

Beyond safety, there are a number of other legal rules you must follow:

Right to Rent Checks
You must confirm that every adult tenant has the legal right to rent in England. This involves checking valid ID and immigration status. For time-limited visas, follow-up checks are required.

Permitted Payments
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 sets out what you can legally charge tenants for:

• Rent

• Holding deposits (max one week’s rent)

• Tenancy deposits (5 weeks’ rent or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000)

• Fees for loss of keys, late rent, or tenancy changes (within strict limits)

You cannot charge tenants for referencing, check-in/out, inventories, or admin.

Renters Reform Bill (2025)
The government has committed to ending ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21. This means landlords will need to rely on specific grounds (under Section 8) to regain possession.

Other expected changes include:

• Introduction of a new Decent Homes Standard

• A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

• Fixed-term tenancies likely being replaced with periodic agreements

We recommend landlords review their procedures ahead of these changes. Brions Estate Agents will be supporting landlords throughout the transition. Sign up for our newsletter

A clear, legally compliant tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant.

Tenancy Agreement
Although verbal agreements are legal, a written tenancy agreement is strongly advised. It must outline key terms including rent, deposit, length of tenancy, and obligations on both sides.

Deposit Protection
If you take a deposit under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), it must be registered in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days. Tenants must also be given the prescribed information.

At Brions, we tailor agreements to suit your needs and ensure full compliance with current legislation.

You are legally responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of the property in good repair, including:

• Roofs, gutters and drains

• Walls and windows

• Heating and hot water systems

• Sanitation (toilets, basins, baths)

• Electrical and gas safety

Tenants should report issues promptly, and landlords must respond in a timely manner. Unresolved repairs can lead to tenant complaints and local authority enforcement.

Brions offers a fully managed lettings service, including 24/7 emergency maintenance and access to trusted local contractors.

Ending a tenancy must be handled carefully to avoid legal pitfalls.

Section 21 Notices
These are being phased out under the Renters Reform Bill. For now, you can use Section 21 to end an AST without giving a reason (but only after the fixed term ends and correct procedures are followed).

Section 8 Notices
These allow landlords to evict tenants on specific grounds, such as rent arrears or breach of agreement. Evidence is required, and court proceedings may be necessary.

In all cases, correct notice periods must be served, and the process followed strictly to avoid delays or disputes.

Letting property in 2025 requires more than just finding a tenant. With new regulations, increased tenant protections, and stricter enforcement from local councils, landlords must stay informed and well organised.

Brions Estate Agents can guide you through every stage of the letting process. From setting up your tenancy and finding reliable tenants to handling compliance, inspections, and repairs, we help you protect your property and your income.