Laws and Legislations Landlords and Agents should be aware of
As a landlord it is your responsibility to know the laws of our land. A list of some of the relevant legislations are below.
They get referred to frequently in blogs, news articles and also government guidance notes so we have tried to provide brief summaries for you to get acquanted with them.
Which Legislations impact Landlords?
We list them, write about them, include snippets where helpful and under the Crown Copyright Open License we let you download these documents directly from this website and also offer heavility discounted Legal Documents to help you keep your documents up to date.
You can go to the legislations below by visiting the UK Legislation Website HERE
Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001
This act grants extensive powers to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to prevent and investigate terrorism, including stop-and-search, detention without charge, and control orders restricting individuals' movements.
Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003
This act tackles anti-social behavior like noise, harassment, and vandalism through powers like antisocial behavior orders (ASBOs) and parenting orders.
Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004
Similar to the 2003 act, this addresses anti-social behavior in Scotland with antisocial behavior orders (ASBOs) and other measures.
Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
This act builds on previous legislation, strengthening powers to tackle anti-social behavior and introducing new measures like community trigger powers for residents to request ASBOs.
Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003
These regulations amend forms used by assured tenants and agricultural occupiers in England for matters like rent increases and termination notices.
Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2003
Similar to the 2003 regulations for England, these update forms used in Wales for assured tenancies and agricultural occupancies.
Building Regulations Part P
This part of the building regulations in England and Wales covers electrical safety in dwellings, ensuring installations meet safety standards.
Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
This act deals with various matters in Scotland, including environmental health, public safety, and licensing of premises like restaurants and taxis.
Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order 2000
This order regulates houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Scotland, requiring licensing for certain types and setting standards for their management.
Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002
This act establishes the framework for social care and health services in Scotland, focusing on individual needs and promoting well-being.
Consumer Protection Act 1987
This act protects consumers from unfair trading practices, misleading advertising, and defective goods, providing remedies for breaches.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
These regulations control exposure to asbestos in workplaces, requiring risk assessments, safe work practices, and proper disposal of asbestos materials.
Control of Pollution Act 1974
This act provides the main framework for pollution control in England and Wales, regulating air, water, and land pollution through permits, monitoring, and enforcement.
Council Tax (Additional Provisions for Discount Disregards) Order 1992
This order sets out additional provisions for applying discounts and disregards to council tax bills in England and Wales.
Council Tax (Chargeable Dwellings) Order 1992
This order defines which dwellings are liable for council tax in England and Wales, including exemptions for properties like student halls and care homes.
Council Tax (Discount Disregards) Order 1992
This order specifies discounts and disregards available on council tax bills in England and Wales for reasons like low income or caring for others.
Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992
This order lists dwellings exempt from council tax in England and Wales, including properties like embassies and churches.
Council Tax (Liability for Owners) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
These regulations amend the rules for determining who is liable for council tax in England and Wales, clarifying responsibility for empty properties and joint ownership.
Council Tax (Liability for Owners) Regulations 1992
These regulations establish who is liable for council tax in England and Wales, typically being the owner or resident occupier of a property.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
These regulations in England, Wales, and Scotland aim to ensure health and safety during construction projects, requiring risk assessments, safety plans, and competent person appointments.
Crime and Security Act 2010
This act builds on previous anti-terrorism legislation, introducing powers like intercepting communications, controlling terrorism suspects, and regulating extremist material.
Criminal Law Act 1977
This act codifies various criminal offenses in England and Wales, covering homicide, theft, fraud, and public order offenses.
Data Protection Act 1998
This act regulates how personal data is collected, used, and stored in the UK, granting individuals rights to access and control their information.
Defective Premises Act 1972
This act protects occupiers of residential premises in England and Wales from hazards like collapsing structures, fires, and electrical faults, allowing them to claim compensation from landlords.
Deregulation Act 2015
This act aims to reduce unnecessary and burdensome regulations across various sectors in England and Wales, simplifying compliance for businesses and individuals.
Deregulation Act 2015 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2015
This order specifies when and how provisions of the 2015 Deregulation Act come into effect, outlining transitional arrangements for existing regulations.
Disability Discrimination Act 2005
This act prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals in areas like employment, education, and access to goods and services, promoting equality and inclusion.
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI no.3260)
These regulations ensure the safety of electrical equipment sold or rented in the UK, setting standards for design, manufacture, and testing.
Employment Rights Act 1986
This act in the UK grants fundamental rights to employees, including minimum wage, protection from unfair dismissal, and rights to time off work, parental leave, and sick leave.
Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007
These regulations in England and Wales require energy performance certificates (EPCs) for buildings being sold or rented, promoting energy efficiency and informing buyers/tenants about energy costs.
Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2008
These amendments refine the EPC scheme, clarifying requirements for displaying certificates and introducing exemptions for certain buildings.
Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
Further amendments to the EPC scheme in England and Wales, requiring EPCs for public buildings and introducing energy display certificates for non-residential buildings.
Energy Act 2011
This act promotes sustainable energy use in the UK, setting targets for renewable energy generation and energy efficiency measures in buildings and businesses.
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
This act simplifies and deregulates various business-related procedures in England and Wales, reducing administrative burdens and promoting economic growth.
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010
These regulations control pollution from certain industrial and waste management activities in England and Wales, requiring permits and setting emission limits.
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
These amendments update the 2010 regulations, clarifying permit requirements for waste operations and introducing new controls for air pollution from medium combustion plants.
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014
Further amendments focusing on England, introducing streamlined permitting processes for certain low-risk waste activities.
Equality Act 2010
This act consolidates and strengthens discrimination protections in the UK, covering nine protected characteristics like race, sex, and disability, and prohibiting discrimination in various areas like employment and public services.
Equality Act 2006
This act preceded the 2010 act and focused on discrimination based on age, religion or belief, and sexual orientation, paving the way for the broader protections in the later act.
Estate Agents Act 1979
This act regulates estate agents in the UK, requiring them to act fairly and honestly towards clients, disclose fees upfront, and have adequate professional indemnity insurance. It aims to protect buyers and sellers in property transactions.
Finance Act 2003 (Part 4)
This part of the act introduced Self Assessment for income tax in the UK, requiring individuals and businesses to file tax returns instead of relying on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions. It also introduced various tax reliefs and changes to capital gains tax.
Firearms Act 1968
This act controls the acquisition, possession, and use of firearms in the UK. It establishes age restrictions, licensing requirements, and prohibited weapons. Amendments in 1988 and 1997 tightened controls after mass shootings.
First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Fees Order 2013
This order sets the fees for using the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England and Wales, which handles housing disputes, landlord and tenant issues, and property boundary disagreements.
Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002
These regulations protect fixed-term employees in the UK from being treated less favourably than permanent employees in similar roles, regarding pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
This act gives individuals in the UK the right to request information held by public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations (various amendments)
These regulations, with various updates since 1988, set safety standards for furniture and furnishings sold or supplied in the UK, aiming to prevent fires in homes and other occupied buildings.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
These regulations ensure the safe installation and use of gas appliances in the UK, requiring qualified engineers for gas work and regular safety checks.
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
This is the main legislation for workplace health and safety in the UK, placing primary responsibility on employers to ensure their employees' safety and well-being.
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
These regulations require employers in the UK to consult with their employees on health and safety matters, including risk assessments and safety measures.
Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations 1990
These regulations require employers in the UK to provide adequate training to their employees on health and safety risks and procedures, ensuring they have the knowledge to work safely.
Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations (2014 & 2015)
These regulations in England and Wales govern the metering and billing of heat supplied through district heating networks, ensuring fair and transparent pricing for consumers.
Home Information Pack (Suspension) Order 2010
This order suspended the requirement for sellers in England and Wales to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) before marketing their property, following criticism of their cost and effectiveness.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (Management) (England) Regulations 2009:
These regulations set standards for the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in England, requiring landlords to maintain the property in good repair, provide adequate amenities, and address health and safety risks.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (Management) (Wales) Regulations 2009:
Similar to the English regulations, these govern the management of HMOs in Wales, promoting safe and decent living conditions for occupants.
Housing (Interim Management Orders)(Prescribed Circumstances) Order 2006:
This order in England and Wales specifies situations where local authorities can issue interim management orders (IMOs) for neglected or mismanaged properties, allowing them to appoint temporary managers to ensure occupant safety and well-being.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2014:
This act consolidates and reforms housing legislation in Scotland, aiming to improve housing quality, security of tenure, and affordability for tenants. It introduced Private Tenancy rights and strengthened dispute resolution procedures.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2010:
This act focused on energy efficiency and sustainability in Scottish housing, introducing requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and promoting energy-saving measures.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006:
This act introduced various measures in Scotland, including rent controls for private tenancies, regulation of letting agents, and support for vulnerable tenants facing eviction.
Housing (Scotland) Act 1988:
This act established the Scottish Homes agency, tasked with managing public housing stock and promoting investment in housing services.
Housing Act 1985 Part 10:
This section of the UK Housing Act deals with secure tenancies in England and Wales, granting tenants various rights, including protection from eviction without due process and rent control under certain circumstances.
Housing Act 1988:
This act introduced right-to-buy provisions for tenants of council houses in England and Wales, allowing them to purchase their homes at discounted prices.
Housing Act 1996:
This act introduced various changes to housing law in England and Wales, including simplifying procedures for repossessing empty properties and modifying provisions for homelessness assistance.
Housing Act 2004:
This comprehensive act consolidated and reformed housing legislation in England and Wales, covering areas like homelessness, housing quality, and landlord-tenant relationships. It created the Housing Corporation and introduced national rent standards.
Housing Act 2004 Commencement Orders:
These orders specify the dates and provisions of the 2004 Housing Act coming into effect in England and Wales.
Housing Benefit Amendment Regulations (various):
These regulations in England and Wales modify aspects of the Housing Benefit system, such as eligibility criteria, benefit calculations, and information sharing requirements.
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England & Wales) Regulations:
These regulations establish a standardized system for assessing and rating the health and safety hazards in housing, informing enforcement actions and improvement measures.
Housing (Tenancy Deposits) Regulations and Orders:
These regulations and orders in England and Wales govern the handling of tenancy deposits by landlords, establishing requirements for protection schemes, prescribed information, and interest rates.
Income & Corporation Taxes Act 1988:
This act in the UK sets the framework for income tax and corporation tax, defining taxable income, allowances, and rates.
Income Tax (Trading and other Income) Act 2005:
This act introduced various changes to UK income tax rules, including simplified accounting procedures for small businesses and changes to income tax bands.
Infrastructure Act 2015:
This act in the UK facilitates the development of major infrastructure projects in England and Wales, streamlining planning processes and providing funding mechanisms.
Inheritance Tax Act 1984:
This act regulates inheritance tax in the UK, setting rates, allowances, and exemptions for gifts and inheritances.
Immigration Acts 2014 & 2016:
These acts introduced significant changes to UK immigration law, tightening controls on borders, visa requirements, and rights of entry and residence.
Land Registration Act 2002:
This act modernized the land registration system in England and Wales, establishing a digital register and simplifying procedures for registering property ownership.
Land Registration Rules 2003:
These rules supplement the Land Registration Act, detailing practical procedures for applications, fees, and maintenance of the land register.
Land Registration etc (Scotland) Act 2012:
This act reformed land registration in Scotland, unifying previously separate systems for land ownership and rights into a single, comprehensive register.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended):
This act, with subsequent amendments, regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in England and Wales, covering areas like repairs, rent increases, evictions, and rights of tenants.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1987:
This act extended the rights of tenants in commercial leases in England and Wales, granting them the right to renew leases in certain circumstances and providing compensation for improvements made to properties.
Landlord Registration Act 2002:
This act introduced a mandatory registration system for landlords in Wales, requiring them to provide information about their properties and contact details to local authorities.
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012:
This act made significant changes to the legal aid system in England and Wales, restricting eligibility for legal aid in certain types of cases and introducing reforms to sentencing and punishment.
Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Regulations:
These regulations in England and Wales govern the licensing and management of HMOs to ensure safe and decent living conditions. They cover licensing requirements, management standards, and enforcement measures.
Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) Orders:
These orders specify the types of properties that require HMO licenses in England and Wales, based on factors like the number of occupants and shared facilities.
Local Government Act 2003:
This act introduced various reforms to local government in England and Wales, including changes to local authority structures, powers, and responsibilities.
Local Government Finance Act 1992:
This act set the framework for local government finance in England and Wales, including council tax, business rates, and grants from central government.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999, amended):
These regulations in the UK implement the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, requiring employers to assess risks, implement control measures, and provide training to employees.
Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England and Wales) Regulations:
These regulations set standards for the management of HMOs in England and Wales, covering areas like fire safety, maintenance, overcrowding prevention, and health and safety.
Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005:
These regulations control the manufacture, storage, and use of explosives in the UK to prevent accidents and misuse.
Money Laundering Regulations (2003, 2007):
These regulations implement anti-money laundering measures in the UK, requiring financial institutions and other businesses to conduct customer due diligence, report suspicious transactions, and have appropriate controls in place.
Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants etc) Act 2010:
This act in England and Wales provides some protection to tenants living in properties that are subject to mortgage repossessions, ensuring they receive adequate notice and support.
Occupiers Liability Act 1957:
This act in the UK establishes the duty of care that occupiers of land owe to visitors, protecting them from injuries caused by unsafe conditions on the property.
Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994:
These regulations in the UK set safety standards for electrical plugs, sockets, and extension leads, preventing electric shocks and fires.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949:
This act in the UK requires local authorities to take action against pests that pose a risk to public health or property, such as rats, mice, and insects.
Private Landlord Registration (Information and Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008
These amended regulations in Scotland updated requirements for private landlords, including updating fees for registration and simplifying information submission processes.
Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011
This comprehensive act in Scotland reformed residential tenancies, introduced new tenancy types like Private Tenancies, strengthened dispute resolution procedures, and improved security of tenure for tenants.
Private Rented Housing Panel (Applications and Determinations) (Scotland) Regulations 2007
These regulations established procedures for landlords and tenants to submit applications and appeals to the Private Rented Housing Panel in Scotland regarding tenancy issues.
Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016
These regulations in England set standards for the quality and safety of private water supplies, covering testing, treatment, and risk management measures to protect public health.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
This act in the UK empowers authorities to investigate, freeze, and recover assets obtained through criminal activity, aiming to disrupt criminal organizations and fund law enforcement agencies.
Protection From Eviction Act 1977
This act in the UK provides safeguards for tenants against unfair evictions, requiring landlords to follow specific procedures and obtain court orders in most cases.
Public Health Act 1961
This comprehensive act in England and Wales covers various aspects of public health, including control of infectious diseases, environmental health regulations, food safety, and housing standards.
Public Health Act 1936
This act in the UK laid the foundation for modern public health legislation, covering areas like sanitation, water supply, housing conditions, and maternal and child health.
Race Relations Act 1976
This act in the UK outlawed discrimination based on race, color, nationality, or ethnic or national origin in various areas, including employment, education, and housing.
Redress Schemes for Lettings Agency Work and Property Management Work (Requirement to belong to a scheme etc) (England) Order 2014
This order in England required letting agents and property managers to belong to government-approved redress schemes, ensuring protection for consumers regarding complaints and disputes.
Regulatory Reform (Assured Periodic Tenancies) (Rent Increases) Order 2003
This order in England and Wales simplified procedures for rent increases in assured periodic tenancies, offering increased certainty for both landlords and tenants.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
This order in England and Wales introduced fire safety regulations for workplaces, common parts of residential buildings, and educational premises, aiming to minimize fire risks and ensure occupant safety.
Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002
This order simplified procedures for allocating and managing public housing assistance in England and Wales, aiming to promote efficiency and transparency.
Rent Act 1977
This act in England and Wales granted security of tenure and rent control rights to tenants in certain types of regulated private sector housing, offering them protection against arbitrary evictions and excessive rent increases.
Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999
This order in England and Wales set out the methodology for calculating maximum fair rents for regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977.
Rent (Scotland) Act 1984
This act in Scotland established rent control mechanisms and security of tenure provisions for certain types of private tenancies, providing protection for tenants and regulating rent increases.
Rent Officer (Housing Benefit Functions) Amendment Order 2007
This order in England and Wales amended the role of rent officers, assigning them additional responsibilities related to determining rents for housing benefit purposes.
Rent Repayment Orders (Supplementary Provisions) Regulations (England & Wales)
These regulations established procedures for enforcement of rent repayment orders issued against landlords who have overcharged tenants or engaged in unfair rental practices.
Residential Property Tribunal Procedures and Fees (England & Wales) Regulations
These regulations established procedures and fees for resolving residential property disputes through the Residential Property Tribunal in England and Wales.
Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
These regulations in the UK mandated the establishment of safety representatives and committees in certain workplaces, empowering employees to participate in identifying and controlling health and safety risks.
Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968
This act established a duty for local authorities in Scotland to provide public sewers and sewage treatment works to ensure effective drainage and waste disposal, protecting public health and the environment.
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
This landmark act in the UK outlawed discrimination based on sex or marital status in various areas like employment, education, and the provision of goods and services, promoting equality and opportunity for all.
Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992
This act in the UK sets out the framework for calculating and levying capital gains tax on the disposal of assets like property, shares, and business assets, contributing to government revenue.
Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011
These regulations in Scotland require landlords to protect tenants' security deposits through government-approved schemes, ensuring their safekeeping and prompt return at the end of the tenancy.
Terrorism Act 2000
This act in the UK expanded powers to combat terrorism, introducing offenses like financing terrorism, inciting terrorism, and membership in proscribed organizations, and granting law enforcement agencies specific investigative and preventative tools.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
These regulations mandated the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in all rented homes in England, significantly improving fire safety and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Town and Country Planning (Use Classes & Permitted Development) (Amendment) Orders (England & Wales)
These orders in England and Wales amended regulations regarding how land can be used for planning purposes, introducing changes to permitted development rights, use class categories, and planning applications processes.
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
This act established the framework for town and country planning in Scotland, covering land use, development control, conservation, and infrastructure, aiming to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
This act in the UK provided the overarching framework for town and country planning across England and Wales, setting out principles for land use allocation, development control, and national planning policy.