Letting out a property in England comes with significant legal obligations. As a landlord, you're responsible for providing a safe, compliant home and protecting your tenants’ rights - whether you're local or based overseas.

At Prime Estates, we support landlords at every stage, offering professional guidance and a fully managed service to help you meet your legal duties with confidence.

Pre-Letting Responsibilities

Pre-Letting Responsibilities

✔️ Right to Rent Checks
Every adult occupant must be checked for the legal right to rent in the UK. Failure to comply could result in fines or prosecution.

✔️ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
All rental properties must have an EPC with a rating of E or above before being marketed.

✔️ Gas Safety Certificate
An up-to-date certificate is required and must be provided before the tenancy begins. This must be renewed every 12 months by a registered engineer.

✔️ Electrical Safety (EICR)
A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report is legally required every five years. It must be shared with tenants before they move in.

✔️ Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke alarms are required on every floor; carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a fixed combustion appliance. All alarms must be tested on the first day of the tenancy.

✔️ Professional Inventory, Schedule of Condition and Check-in
To support lawful deposit deductions, landlords must provide clear evidence of property condition. This includes a professional inventory, check-in, check-out and mid-tenancy inspections.

Property Condition and Repairs (HHSRS & Awaab’s Law)

Property Condition and Repairs (HHSRS & Awaab’s Law)

If your property is let to five or more unrelated people across two or more households, it may require an HMO licence.

Additionally, Selective Licensing schemes apply in parts of Birmingham, requiring all landlords - regardless of property size - to obtain a licence before letting.

Failing to license a property when required can result in fines of up to £30,000 or legal action.

HMOs and Selective Licensing (Birmingham)

HMOs and Selective Licensing (Birmingham)

We keep our fees simple, transparent and fully in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Here's what you might be charged and when:

  • Holding Deposit: Equivalent to one week’s rent; this secures the property while references are completed and forms part of your first month’s rent
  • Tenancy Deposit: Usually equivalent to five weeks’ rent, held securely in a government-approved scheme
  • Late Rent Charges: Interest may be applied if rent is more than 14 days overdue (capped at 3% above the Bank of England base rate)
  • Lost Keys or Security Devices: You may be charged the cost of replacement if needed
  • Tenancy Changes or Amendments (by request): £50 including VAT
  • Early Termination (if agreed): You may be responsible for the landlord’s costs for re-letting

We’ll always explain fees clearly and provide all required documentation before you sign.

If you have any questions at any stage - just ask.

Let Us Take the Stress Away

Let Us Take the Stress Away

From gas certificates to GDPR, we keep you compliant so you can let with confidence. Our Fully Managed Service covers inspections, paperwork, safety checks, renewals and more - all handled by a team who understand both the law and the local market.

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