Welcome back to another episode of Stentons Property blogs! This week we'll be discussing everything you require to become a landlord in England. 

Becoming a landlord is often seen as a straightforward way to generate income—but in reality, it’s much more than just handing over keys and collecting rent. In England, there are a number of legal requirements and practical steps you need to take before you can start letting out your property. 

Here’s how I’d break down the process:

1. Deciding to Rent Out Your Property

The first step is deciding if being a landlord is right for you. Some people inherit a property, others move out of their home but want to keep it as an investment, and many buy specifically to let. Whatever the reason, it’s important to be clear on your goals. Do you want steady rental income, or are you more focused on long-term capital growth?

2. Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

Unlike in Wales, there isn’t a single landlord licensing system across the whole of England. However, depending on the area your property is in, you may need to apply for a local authority landlord licence—particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Even if you don’t need a licence, you’ll still have a long list of legal responsibilities. These include:

• Gas safety checks (annually, by a registered Gas Safe engineer)

• Electrical checks (an EICR at least every 5 years)

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Right to Rent checks on tenants

• Protecting the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme

Failing to follow these rules can lead to hefty fines, so it’s worth getting them right from day one.

3. Preparing the Property

Before you market the property, make sure it’s in good condition. Tenants in England expect a home that is safe, secure, and well-maintained—and the law requires it. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 makes landlords responsible for ensuring the property is free from hazards like damp, poor ventilation, or unsafe electrics. A little preparation now can save you expensive disputes later.

4. Finding the Right Tenants

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a landlord is who to let your property too. Good tenants can make your life easy; the wrong ones can be stressful and costly. Most landlords use referencing and credit checks to give peace of mind. Once you’ve found the right person, you’ll usually use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement, which is the most common form of tenancy in England.

5. Managing the Tenancy

Being a landlord doesn’t end once the contract is signed. You’ll need to manage rent collection, handle repairs, and keep up with your legal responsibilities throughout the tenancy. Some landlords prefer to self-manage, while others use a letting agent to take the stress out of the day-to-day work. Either way, staying organised and keeping clear records is vital.

6. Looking Ahead

Buy-to-let is often thought of as an easy income stream, but the reality is that it’s a long-term commitment. Laws change, tenants’ needs evolve, and property maintenance never stops. However, if you approach it with the right mindset—treating it like a business while also being fair to tenants—it can be a rewarding and sustainable investment.

Final Thoughts
Becoming a landlord in England isn’t something to jump into lightly. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with it, but if you take the time to understand the process, it can also be very worthwhile. The landlords who succeed are usually those who plan ahead, stay compliant, and build good relationships with their tenants.

If you’re thinking about letting out your property, contact us today!

Until next time, happy house hunting!