Housing Act 1988: Primary legislation governing residential tenancies in England and Wales, particularly regarding Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). Defines the basic framework for most private residential tenancies.
Housing Act 1996: Updates to housing law including amendments to the 1988 Act, particularly regarding grounds for possession and tenancy deposits.
Housing Act 2004: Introduces Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and mandatory tenancy deposit protection schemes for ASTs.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Sets out basic rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, including repair obligations and fitness for human habitation.
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Requires landlords to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation at the beginning and throughout the tenancy.
Gas Safety Regulations 1998: Requires annual gas safety checks and certificates for rented properties with gas installations.
Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020: Mandates electrical safety checks every 5 years and ensures electrical installations meet safety standards.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015: Requires landlords to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in rented properties.
Tenant Fees Act 2019: Restricts what fees landlords and letting agents can charge tenants and caps deposit amounts.
Immigration Act 2014: Requires landlords to check prospective tenants' immigration status (Right to Rent checks).
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Ensures fairness in contracts between landlords and tenants, particularly regarding unfair terms and transparency.
GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Governs how landlords must handle and protect tenants' personal data.
Energy Performance Regulations 2012: Requires landlords to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
Protection from Eviction Act 1977: Protects tenants from illegal eviction and harassment, setting out proper procedures for ending tenancies.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1987: Provides additional tenant rights including the right of first refusal in certain property sales and service charge regulations.
