Examples of common scenarios and what this might mean for you:

Should you require possession of your property if you wish you sell the property/or yourself or a family member wish to move back into the property:  You will need to give the tenant 4 months’ notice.  This cannot be served during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
If your tenant is in 3 months’ rent arrears a section 8 can be served to gain possession.  You will need to give the tenant 4 weeks’ notice.

Taylor & Wood will continue to ensure you are fully compliant but please be aware the new rules are extensive and require longer notice periods.

If you require your property back, we can serve a section 8 notice for you however we are required to advise you that it is best practice to use a legal professional (qualified solicitor) to prepare notices and court papers on your behalf.  If you prefer Taylor & Wood can prepare these notices/court papers for you however, we must advise you Taylor & Wood take no liability or responsibility should the papers be returned for any reason as we are not legally qualified.  Taylor & Wood will charge a minimal administrative charge of £150 for preparing these papers, there will be further charges payable should we need to accompany you to court.

Further provisions will also be coming into force next year including the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law.  The measures in the Act will allow new requirements to be set requiring private rented sector landlords to address hazards, such as damp and mould, within a specified time period. If landlords do not comply, tenants will be able to bring enforcement action against them through the courts.

We urge all landlords to familiarise yourself and read the full information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

It is a legal requirement for us to serve each of your tenants with a government information factsheet regarding the Renter Rights Act changes.

For any new tenancies from 1st May 2026 this will be included as part of your fully managed service.

If your property is subject to a mortgage, you must obtain consent to let from your lender before the tenancy begins. Some lenders may request a copy of the tenancy agreement as part of this process. We are happy to assist with documentation where required.

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure appropriate insurance is in place. This typically includes buildings insurance and, where applicable, landlord contents insurance. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own belongings.

Rental income is subject to Income Tax and must be declared to HMRC through Self Assessment. Landlords are responsible for notifying HMRC and maintaining accurate records of income and allowable expenses.

Allowable expenses may include:

• Letting agent fees

• Insurance

• Repairs and maintenance

• Ground rent and service charges

• Certain finance and professional costs

We recommend seeking advice from an accountant if you are unsure of your tax obligations.

If you live outside the UK for more than six months per year, different tax rules apply. Under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme, tax may be deducted at source unless approval is granted by HMRC to receive rent gross. We can explain how this process works and manage payments where required.

Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure, exterior and key services of the property. During a tenancy, tenants must report issues as they arise.

For managed properties, we can arrange repairs using trusted contractors. No work is undertaken without your approval, except in emergencies where immediate action is required to protect the property or occupants.

Both furnished and unfurnished properties are popular with tenants, depending on location and demand.

• Furnished properties must comply with current furniture and furnishings safety regulations.

• Unfurnished properties typically include floor coverings, window coverings and a cooker.

We can advise on presentation to maximise appeal while remaining compliant.

All gas appliances must be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer with CO2 alarms installed within 1 meter of all gas appliances.  A valid Gas Safety Certificate must be in place before a tenancy begins and provided to the tenant. We can arrange this on your behalf if required.

An EPC is legally required before a property is marketed to let. Certificates are valid for ten years and must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards in force at the time of letting. We can arrange this on your behalf if required.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required for rental properties and must be renewed at least every five years. Any remedial work identified must be completed within the required timeframe.

Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are fitted on each storey of the property and carbon monoxide alarms are installed where appropriate. Alarms must be tested at the start of each tenancy.

Tenants are responsible for utility payments during the tenancy. When a property is vacant, responsibility reverts to the landlord. Accurate meter readings at changeover help avoid incorrect billing. 

With a fully managed service Taylor & Wood will inform utility companies of client move in/out details and meter reads.  

Providing instruction manuals for appliances is recommended, as misuse or uncertainty can result in unnecessary call-outs. Where instructions are unavailable, we advise tenants accordingly.

Tenant deposits must be protected within a government-approved scheme within the required timeframe. Prescribed information must also be served correctly to the tenant.

For fully managed properties, Taylor & Wood handles deposit registration and documentation on your behalf, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.