Rental Compliance Glossary

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An Energy Performance Certificate rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). All rental properties must have a valid EPC with a minimum rating of E. The certificate is valid for 10 years and must be provided to prospective tenants. The government plans to raise the minimum to C by 2030.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

MEES set the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating required for rental properties. Since April 2020, properties must have at least an E rating. Exemptions are available if cost-effective improvements have been made up to the cost cap (£3,500 including VAT). The government proposes raising the minimum to C by 2030.

Rent Repayment Order (RRO)

A legal order requiring a landlord to repay rent to a tenant (or local authority if housing benefit was paid). Can be sought when a landlord commits certain housing offences including operating without a required licence, illegal eviction, or breach of a banning order. Maximum repayment is 12 months' rent.

Section 13 Notice (Rent Increase)

A Section 13 notice is the legal mechanism for increasing rent on an assured periodic tenancy. Under the Renters' Rights Act, this becomes the only permitted way to increase rent. Increases are limited to once per year with a 52-week minimum gap. Tenants can challenge increases at the First-tier Tribunal.

Tenancy Deposit Protection

A legal requirement for landlords to protect tenancy deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Three approved schemes: DPS (custodial), MyDeposits (custodial/insured), and TDS (custodial/insured). Prescribed information about the protection must be served to the tenant. Failure to comply can result in penalties of 1-3 times the deposit amount.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

The most common form of tenancy in England. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all existing ASTs will convert to periodic assured tenancies. New ASTs can no longer be created. Tenancies will roll on a periodic basis with tenants able to give two months' notice to leave at any time.

Ground 8 (Serious Rent Arrears)

Ground 8 is a mandatory ground for possession under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988. It applies when a tenant has at least two months' rent arrears at both the date of the Section 8 notice and the date of the court hearing. Being mandatory, the court must grant possession if the ground is proved.

Periodic Tenancy

A tenancy that rolls from period to period (usually month to month) without a fixed end date. Under the Renters' Rights Act, all tenancies will become periodic. Tenants can end a periodic tenancy by giving two months' notice. Landlords can only end it using Section 8 grounds.

Section 21 Notice

A Section 21 notice (also called a 'no-fault eviction notice') was a legal mechanism allowing landlords to regain possession of a property without giving a reason, provided they gave at least two months' notice. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, Section 21 notices are abolished entirely. Landlords must now use Section 8 grounds to seek possession.

Section 8 Notice

A Section 8 notice is served by a landlord to begin possession proceedings based on specific grounds set out in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. Following the abolition of Section 21, this is the only route for landlords to regain possession. Grounds can be mandatory (court must grant possession if proved) or discretionary (court decides if reasonable).

Renters' Rights Act 2025

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant reform to England's private rented sector in 30 years. Key changes include the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, reform of Section 8 grounds, introduction of the Private Rented Sector Database, regulation of rent increases, mandatory response timelines for pet requests, and new enforcement powers for local authorities.

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

A property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 household but share facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen. Large HMOs (5+ occupants, 3+ storeys) require a mandatory licence. Many councils operate additional or selective licensing covering smaller HMOs. HMOs have enhanced safety and management requirements.

Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database

The PRS Database is a new government register introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. All private rental properties in England must be registered on this database. It will contain property details, compliance information, and be accessible to tenants and local authorities. Non-registration is a civil offence.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

An EICR is a report on the condition of the electrical installations in a property. Required every 5 years for all rental properties in England since July 2020. The report assigns codes (C1/C2 for faults requiring action, C3 for recommendations). An unsatisfactory EICR requires remedial work within 28 days.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

A Gas Safety Certificate (officially a Landlord Gas Safety Record or CP12) is a legal document confirming gas appliances in a rental property have been checked and are safe. Required annually by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.