Renting a home in the UK can feel complex, particularly as legislation continues to evolve. At Godfrey & Barr, we aim to make the process clear, transparent and straightforward from the outset.
Most residential tenancies are governed by the Housing Act 1988 (as amended), together with more recent legislation including the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
We are members of PropertyMark and use Government-approved tenancy deposit protection schemes, including the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) where needed, to ensure your interests are protected.
Landlords ask us to find reliable Tenants who will look after their property and pay rent on time.
You will usually need:
A guarantor (in some cases
Under current legislation, Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords must consider such requests reasonably, although permission is not automatic. Conditions may apply, including appropriate insurance where required.
You should always obtain written consent before keeping a pet.
You are expected to:
The property should be returned in a similar condition at the end of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.
We will help you find a suitable property based on your budget, preferred location and requirements.
You should budget not only for rent, but also:
We will arrange viewings at a convenient time. Once you find a suitable property, we recommend acting promptly.
If your offer is accepted, we will proceed with referencing and compliance checks.
Before moving in, you will typically be required to pay:
All payments must be made via cleared funds before keys are released.
Your deposit will usually be protected under a Government-approved scheme such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This would not apply to common law or company tenancies
At the end of the tenancy:
Disputes are usually handled independently through the scheme
Rent is usually payable monthly in advance.
It is your responsibility to ensure:
Late payment may result in charges and could ultimately affect your tenancy.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025:
This provides greater flexibility for Tenants, while maintaining stability during occupation. This does not apply to common law or company tenancies
Tenant Notice
You can usually end your tenancy by giving at least 2 months’ written notice.
Landlord Notice
Landlords can no longer use “no fault” eviction.
The previous Section 21 notice has been abolished and replaced by strengthened grounds under Section 8 notice, such as:
Rent increases must follow a formal legal process and are generally limited to:
Tenants have the right to challenge excessive increases.
An independent inventory will usually be prepared before you move in.
You should:
This document is important when assessing your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
You are responsible for:
You must notify providers when you move in and when you leave.
The Landlord insures the building.
You are responsible for insuring your own belongings.
If the property is managed by Godfrey & Barr, we will:
At the end of the tenancy:
A check-out inspection will be carried out before the deposit is returned.
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020:
Landlords must comply with gas safety regulations and provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate annually.
Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012:
Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015:
In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, permitted payments include:
If your landlord lives overseas, specific tax rules may apply under HMRC’s Non-Resident Landlord Scheme. We will advise you where relevant.
This guide is intended as a general overview. Tenancy agreements are legally binding documents, and you should read them carefully and seek independent advice if required.
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