Legal References & Legislation
Complete legal framework for private renting in England, with links to official sources.
Housing Act 1988
Establishes Assured Shorthold Tenancies and grounds for possession (Section 8 & 21).
View on legislation.gov.uk →Housing Act 2004
Introduces HMO licensing, HHSRS, and tenancy deposit protection (Sections 212-215).
View on legislation.gov.uk →Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
Section 11 establishes landlord's repairing obligations for structure and installations.
View on legislation.gov.uk →Immigration Act 2014 & 2016
Establishes Right to Rent checks. Penalties up to £3,000 per illegal tenant.
View 2014 Act →|View 2016 Act →Deregulation Act 2015
Links Section 21 validity to compliance with EPC, Gas Safety, How to Rent guide, and deposit protection.
View on legislation.gov.uk →Tenant Fees Act 2019
Bans most letting fees. Caps deposits at 5 weeks' rent (6 weeks if annual rent ≥£50,000).
View on legislation.gov.uk →Consumer Rights Act 2015
Makes unfair tenancy agreement terms unenforceable. Tenants are consumers.
View on legislation.gov.uk →Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Requires rental properties to be fit for human habitation at start and throughout tenancy.
View on legislation.gov.uk →Equality Act 2010
Prohibits discrimination in property rental based on protected characteristics.
View on legislation.gov.uk →Civil Penalties (up to £30,000)
- • Operating unlicensed HMO
- • Breach of improvement notice
- • Electrical safety failures
- • Breach of banning order
Criminal Prosecution
- • Gas safety violations (unlimited fine)
- • Unlicensed HMO (unlimited fine)
- • Illegal eviction/harassment
- • Fire safety breaches
Rent Repayment Orders
- • Up to 12 months' rent repayment
- • For unlicensed properties
- • Illegal eviction
- • Breach of banning order
Invalid Section 21
- • No EPC or Gas Safety Certificate
- • Deposit not protected
- • No "How to Rent" guide
- • Within 4 months of complaint