Landlord Resources

Legal Compliance Checklist
maintenance guide
Landlord Tax Guide

You’re required to have all gas appliances, fittings, and flues checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Once complete, you’ll receive a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), which must be shared with your tenants.

You’re required to have all gas appliances, fittings, and flues checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Once complete, you’ll receive a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), which must be shared with your tenants.

Since 2020, landlords must have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested at least every five years. You’ll need to provide tenants with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and address any remedial work promptly.

Since 2020, landlords must have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested at least every five years. You’ll need to provide tenants with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and address any remedial work promptly.

All rental properties need an EPC with a rating of E or above. This certificate, valid for 10 years, shows how energy-efficient your property is. New tenancies can’t legally begin without one.

Upcoming Legislation: By 2028, all rental properties will need to have an EPC rating of C or higher for new and existing tenancies. Landlords should start planning improvements now to meet these stricter energy efficiency standards and avoid penalties.

All rental properties need an EPC with a rating of E or above. This certificate, valid for 10 years, shows how energy-efficient your property is. New tenancies can’t legally begin without one.

Upcoming Legislation: By 2028, all rental properties will need to have an EPC rating of C or higher for new and existing tenancies. Landlords should start planning improvements now to meet these stricter energy efficiency standards and avoid penalties.

Ensure you have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. These alarms must be tested and working at the start of every tenancy.

Ensure you have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. These alarms must be tested and working at the start of every tenancy.

Before renting out your property, you must verify that your tenants have the legal right to live in the UK. This involves checking their identity documents and keeping a record.

Before renting out your property, you must verify that your tenants have the legal right to live in the UK. This involves checking their identity documents and keeping a record.

If you take a tenancy deposit, it must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days. You’ll also need to provide the tenant with details of the scheme.

If you take a tenancy deposit, it must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days. You’ll also need to provide the tenant with details of the scheme.

Provide tenants with a copy of the government’s How to Rent guide at the start of their tenancy. This document outlines their rights and responsibilities and is a legal requirement.

Provide tenants with a copy of the government’s How to Rent guide at the start of their tenancy. This document outlines their rights and responsibilities and is a legal requirement.

If your property is an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) or located in a selective licensing area, you may need additional licenses. Check with your local council to ensure you’re compliant.

If your property is an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) or located in a selective licensing area, you may need additional licenses. Check with your local council to ensure you’re compliant.

Landlords are required to assess and reduce the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in water systems. While a professional assessment isn’t always necessary, it’s essential to document your actions.

Landlords are required to assess and reduce the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in water systems. While a professional assessment isn’t always necessary, it’s essential to document your actions.

It’s your duty to keep the property in good repair and address any issues promptly, including leaks, broken fixtures, or heating problems. Regular inspections can help you stay on top of this.

It’s your duty to keep the property in good repair and address any issues promptly, including leaks, broken fixtures, or heating problems. Regular inspections can help you stay on top of this.

Why Compliance Matters

Staying compliant not only avoids hefty fines but also builds trust with your tenants and ensures a safe, secure rental experience. At Sowena Lettings, we’re here to help you navigate these responsibilities and keep your rental journey stress-free.
Need more guidance? Get in touch with our team or explore our landlord resources section for additional support.

A Guide to Property Maintenance

For Landlords

Keeping your rental property in top condition isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s also key to protecting your investment and ensuring happy tenants. At Sowena Lettings, we’ve put together this guide to help landlords stay on top of property maintenance. Need more guidance? Get in touch with our team or explore our landlord resources section for additional support.

Routine property inspections are a great way to identify issues before they escalate. Schedule checks every six months or more frequently for high-wear properties. Look out for:

  • Signs of damp or Mould
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Damage to fixtures and fittings
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm functionality

Pro tip: Always give tenants proper notice (usually 24-48 hours) before visiting the property.

Routine property inspections are a great way to identify issues before they escalate. Schedule checks every six months or more frequently for high-wear properties. Look out for:

  • Signs of damp or Mould
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Damage to fixtures and fittings
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm functionality

Pro tip: Always give tenants proper notice (usually 24-48 hours) before visiting the property.

A quick response to maintenance issues isn’t just good practice—it helps avoid bigger problems down the line. For example:

  • Fixing a small leak early can prevent expensive water damage.
  • Replacing a worn seal on a window can improve energy efficiency and avoid tenant complaints about heating costs.

Tenants appreciate a landlord who responds promptly to repairs, fostering better relationships and longer tenancies.

A quick response to maintenance issues isn’t just good practice—it helps avoid bigger problems down the line. For example:

  • Fixing a small leak early can prevent expensive water damage.
  • Replacing a worn seal on a window can improve energy efficiency and avoid tenant complaints about heating costs.

Tenants appreciate a landlord who responds promptly to repairs, fostering better relationships and longer tenancies.

Certain times of the year require extra care for your property:

  • Winter: Bleed radiators, check for drafts, and ensure the boiler is serviced.
  • Autumn: Clear gutters and check roofing for loose tiles.
  • Spring/Summer: Inspect outdoor areas for overgrown vegetation or boundary fence damage.

Staying ahead of seasonal wear and tear will save you time and money.

Certain times of the year require extra care for your property:

  • Winter: Bleed radiators, check for drafts, and ensure the boiler is serviced.
  • Autumn: Clear gutters and check roofing for loose tiles.
  • Spring/Summer: Inspect outdoor areas for overgrown vegetation or boundary fence damage.

Staying ahead of seasonal wear and tear will save you time and money.

Some maintenance isn’t optional—it’s the law. Make sure you’re keeping up with:

  • Gas Safety: Annual checks for all gas appliances by a Gas Safe engineer.
  • Electrical Safety: Inspections at least every five years, with an up-to-date EICR.
  • Smoke & CO Alarms: Ensure they’re tested and functioning at the start of every tenancy.

Keeping these records organized will make compliance a breeze.

Some maintenance isn’t optional—it’s the law. Make sure you’re keeping up with:

  • Gas Safety: Annual checks for all gas appliances by a Gas Safe engineer.
  • Electrical Safety: Inspections at least every five years, with an up-to-date EICR.
  • Smoke & CO Alarms: Ensure they’re tested and functioning at the start of every tenancy.

Keeping these records organized will make compliance a breeze.

Unexpected repairs can catch landlords off guard. Set aside a portion of your rental income (experts suggest 10-20%) to cover maintenance costs. Having a fund ready can prevent delays when work is needed.

Unexpected repairs can catch landlords off guard. Set aside a portion of your rental income (experts suggest 10-20%) to cover maintenance costs. Having a fund ready can prevent delays when work is needed.

Encourage tenants to report maintenance issues early. A small issue, like a dripping tap, can turn into a costly repair if left unchecked. Make it easy for tenants to get in touch, and let them know how to report problems.

Encourage tenants to report maintenance issues early. A small issue, like a dripping tap, can turn into a costly repair if left unchecked. Make it easy for tenants to get in touch, and let them know how to report problems.

If managing maintenance feels overwhelming, consider working with a letting agent like Sowena Lettings. Our team can handle everything from organizing repairs to coordinating safety checks, giving you peace of mind and saving you time.

If managing maintenance feels overwhelming, consider working with a letting agent like Sowena Lettings. Our team can handle everything from organizing repairs to coordinating safety checks, giving you peace of mind and saving you time.

Final Thoughts

Property maintenance is a cornerstone of successful property management. By staying proactive, budgeting wisely, and addressing repairs promptly, you’ll keep your tenants happy and your investment in great shape.

Need help managing your property? Contact Sowena Lettings today to learn how we can support you.

Landlord Tax Guide

What You Need to Know

Navigating landlord taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. At Sowena Lettings, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure out what expenses you can claim, how tax relief works, and what changes like Section 24 mean for you. Here’s the lowdown:

Good news! Some costs can reduce your taxable income. These allowable expenses include:

  • Repairs and Maintenance: Fixing wear and tear, like broken boilers or repainting walls. (But improvements, like an extension, don’t count.)
  • Letting Agent Fees: Any fees you pay us or other agents for managing your property or finding tenants.
  • Insurance: Landlord insurance premiums are fair game.
  • Bills You Cover: If you’re footing the bill for utilities or council tax for your tenants.
  • Legal and Professional Costs: Fees for setting up tenancy agreements or getting legal advice.
  • Marketing Costs: Ads or listings to find your perfect tenant.
  • Mortgage Interest: Limited relief applies—more on this next.

Keep receipts and records—these will be your best friends come tax season.

Good news! Some costs can reduce your taxable income. These allowable expenses include:

  • Repairs and Maintenance: Fixing wear and tear, like broken boilers or repainting walls. (But improvements, like an extension, don’t count.)
  • Letting Agent Fees: Any fees you pay us or other agents for managing your property or finding tenants.
  • Insurance: Landlord insurance premiums are fair game.
  • Bills You Cover: If you’re footing the bill for utilities or council tax for your tenants.
  • Legal and Professional Costs: Fees for setting up tenancy agreements or getting legal advice.
  • Marketing Costs: Ads or listings to find your perfect tenant.
  • Mortgage Interest: Limited relief applies—more on this next.

Keep receipts and records—these will be your best friends come tax season.

Section 24 changed how mortgage interest tax relief works, and it’s been a big deal for landlords. Here’s the gist:

  • Before: You could deduct 100% of your mortgage interest from your rental income.
  • Now: You get a flat 20% tax credit on your mortgage interest payments. This means higher taxable profits and, for some, a jump to a higher tax bracket.
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD): From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 must report income and expenses quarterly using digital tools.

If this sounds like it’s eating into your profits, it might be worth chatting with a tax advisor about options like setting up a limited company.

Section 24 changed how mortgage interest tax relief works, and it’s been a big deal for landlords. Here’s the gist:

  • Before: You could deduct 100% of your mortgage interest from your rental income.
  • Now: You get a flat 20% tax credit on your mortgage interest payments. This means higher taxable profits and, for some, a jump to a higher tax bracket.
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD): From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 must report income and expenses quarterly using digital tools.

If this sounds like it’s eating into your profits, it might be worth chatting with a tax advisor about options like setting up a limited company.

Here’s what you need to stay on top of:

  • Self-Assessment Tax Returns: Register and file your rental income and expenses every year.
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If you sell a property that’s gone up in value, you might owe CGT (but not if it’s your main home).
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD): From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 must report income and expenses quarterly using digital tools.

Here’s what you need to stay on top of:

  • Self-Assessment Tax Returns: Register and file your rental income and expenses every year.
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If you sell a property that’s gone up in value, you might owe CGT (but not if it’s your main home).
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD): From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 must report income and expenses quarterly using digital tools.

Want to keep more of your rental profits? Try these tips:

  • Claim All Allowable Expenses: Don’t leave money on the table.
  • Split Income: If you own a property with your partner, dividing the income can lower your tax bill.
  • Get Expert Help: A tax advisor can help you find savings and keep everything above board.

Want to keep more of your rental profits? Try these tips:

  • Claim All Allowable Expenses: Don’t leave money on the table.
  • Split Income: If you own a property with your partner, dividing the income can lower your tax bill.
  • Get Expert Help: A tax advisor can help you find savings and keep everything above board.

Taxes can change, and staying informed is key. Check out the Sowena Lettings blog for updates, tips, and advice tailored for landlords.
Understanding taxes doesn’t have to be a headache. By claiming your expenses, staying organized, and getting advice when needed, you can handle your tax responsibilities with confidence.

Taxes can change, and staying informed is key. Check out the Sowena Lettings blog for updates, tips, and advice tailored for landlords.
Understanding taxes doesn’t have to be a headache. By claiming your expenses, staying organized, and getting advice when needed, you can handle your tax responsibilities with confidence.