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This page provides essential summaries and direct access to the key housing legislation for landlords, tenants, and letting agents in England and Wales. Understanding these laws helps you know your rights and responsibilities. Where possible, official full texts are linked for reference.
This Act sets out landlord responsibilities for maintaining property condition and repairs, ensuring tenants live in safe, habitable homes. It includes key provisions on repairs, rent demands, and tenant protections.
Why it matters: Protects tenant rights and clarifies landlord duties, making sure rented properties meet legal standards.
View Full Act on legislation.gov.ukAmends the 1985 Act to require all rented homes to be fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy. Covers safety, damp, sanitation, heating, and structural soundness.
Why it matters: Gives tenants stronger rights to live in safe, healthy homes and grounds for legal action if standards are not met.
View Full Act on legislation.gov.ukDefines Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), possession grounds (Section 21 & 8), and legal protections for tenants and landlords regarding eviction and tenancy agreements.
Why it matters: Governs the most common tenancy type in England and Wales and eviction processes.
View Full Act on legislation.gov.ukPrevents unlawful eviction and harassment by landlords. Covers legal notice periods, possession orders, and tenant protections against intimidation.
Why it matters: Ensures tenants cannot be forcibly removed without following proper legal procedures.
View Full Act on legislation.gov.ukRequires landlords to protect tenancy deposits in government-approved schemes and provide prescribed information to tenants.
Why it matters: Protects tenants’ deposits from unfair deductions and ensures transparency.
View Housing Act 2004 – Part 6 on legislation.gov.ukVisit our Legal Support Hub or connect with one of our TLA Legal Partners for expert assistance.
Under UK law, landlords must keep the property in good repair, including structural elements, heating, water, and sanitation. Tenants should report issues promptly in writing and allow reasonable access for repairs.
No. Section 21 “no fault” evictions are being abolished. Landlords must use specific legal grounds (Section 8) and follow court procedures to evict tenants lawfully.
You must raise a formal dispute with your deposit protection scheme within 90 days of tenancy end. Before this, try to resolve issues informally.
Tenants can report landlords to the local council’s Environmental Health team and may take legal action under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.