Housing Act 1988: Primary legislation governing Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies, setting out fundamental landlord-tenant relationship framework and possession proceedings
Housing Act 1996: Supplementary legislation adding amendments to the 1988 Act and providing additional grounds for possession proceedings
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Defines basic rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, including maintenance responsibilities and rent-related matters
Deregulation Act 2015: Contains provisions affecting residential tenancies, including requirements for serving notices and protecting tenant deposits
Rent Act 1977: Governs older tenancies and provides certain protections regarding rent regulation and security of tenure
Protection from Eviction Act 1977: Makes it a criminal offense for landlords to harass tenants or illegally evict them, including guidelines on proper communication regarding rent arrears
Pre-action Protocol for Possession Claims: Court guidelines that must be followed before initiating possession proceedings, including requirements for communication with tenants about rent arrears
Civil Procedure Rules: Rules governing civil court proceedings in England and Wales, relevant if legal action becomes necessary due to rent arrears
Coronavirus Act 2020: Temporary legislation that affected notice periods and possession proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, with most measures now expired
MHCLG Guidance: Official guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government on handling rent arrears and tenant communications
Property Ombudsman Guidelines: Best practice recommendations for property professionals handling rent arrears and tenant communications
NRLA Guidelines: National Residential Landlords Association recommendations for managing rent arrears and maintaining professional landlord-tenant relationships
