Guidance for landlords

Understand your responsibilities

You have legal responsibilities as a landlord, including:

• keeping your rented properties safe and free from health hazards
• making sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained
• meeting minimum energy efficiency standards
• providing an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• protecting your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme
• checking your tenant has the right to rent your property
• giving your tenant a copy of the how to rent checklist when they start renting from you
• giving tenants notice the right way 

See Renting out your property on GOV.UK.

Deposits

 The law:

• limits the amount you can hold for deposits
• bans most tenant fees

Paying tax

HMRC has produced guidance on paying tax and keeping records for landlords.

You'll learn about:

• your PAYE and VAT obligations
• filling out your tax return
• how property income and expenditure are treated
• capital gains tax and inheritance tax advice
• when to pay your tax

There's also a property rental toolkit for your accountant or tax adviser if you use one.

The Let Property Campaign offers a chance for landlords letting property in the UK or abroad to:

• bring their tax affairs up to date through voluntary disclosure
• get the best possible terms to pay the tax they owe

Using a property agent

All letting agents and property managers must be members of an approved redress scheme to deal with any complaints. 

Before using an agent make sure they're a member of one of these schemes.

Letting agents who collect rent or take deposits for you must belong to a 'client money protection scheme'. 

Always ask to see their up-to-date membership certificate of an approved scheme.

Tenancy relations service

We provide specialist advice on the rights and responsibilities of private tenants, landlords and agents. 

If you're experiencing issues with a tenant, or have a query about your responsibilities, get in touch by: 

• messaging us online
• emailing tenancy.relations@southwark.gov.uk
• calling 0207 525 4113

We aim to respond within 5 working days.

More information

See our other housing guides on:

• landlord licensing
• letting your property through us
• Council Tax exemption or discount
• help with empty properties
• subletting an ex-council home