Housing Act 1988: Primary legislation that defines types of tenancies, sets out grounds for possession, and regulates rent increases. Amended by Housing Act 1996 to introduce Assured Shorthold Tenancies as the default tenancy type.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Establishes landlord's repair obligations, sets standards for property condition, and addresses utility and service charges. Defines basic requirements for property maintenance and habitability.
Housing and Planning Act 2016: Specifies safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, electrical safety standards, and energy performance requirements for rental properties.
Deregulation Act 2015: Covers deposit protection requirements, Section 21 notice procedures, and provisions against retaliatory eviction. Essential for ensuring proper tenancy termination processes.
Tenant Fees Act 2019: Regulates fees that can be charged to tenants, including prohibited payments, permitted fees, and deposit caps. Aims to make renting fairer and more affordable.
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012: Mandates Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements and sets minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties.
GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Governs the handling and protection of tenant's personal data, ensuring privacy rights and proper data management in the rental process.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988: Sets safety standards for furnished properties, particularly regarding fire resistance of furnished items provided by the landlord.
