West Suffolk Council landlord licensing
- West Suffolk Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme in Barrow
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with 5 or more persons from 2 or more households
- HMO licence conditions include minimum room sizes, fire detection, annual gas safety certificate, 5-yearly EICR
- Property Portal and PRS Ombudsman registration mandatory under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
- Selective licensing can be introduced with 10 weeks' consultation notice — verify current position
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — key obligations for Barrow landlords
- Section 21 no-fault evictions abolished — use Schedule 2 statutory grounds for all possession claims
- Fixed-term tenancies cannot be granted for new lets — all tenancies are periodic from day one
- Tenants can end any tenancy with two months' written notice at any time
- Property Portal registration mandatory before marketing any property
- Rent increases must use the statutory Section 13 notice
EPC requirements for Barrow rental properties
- Current minimum: EPC Band E — F and G properties cannot be let without a valid exemption
- EPC Band C target confirmed for 2030 — plan period property upgrades now
- Mix of period cottages and modern homes — obtain a current RdSAP 10 assessment for each property
- Commission a fresh assessment if your certificate is over 5 years old
- Register a cost cap exemption if Band C cannot be achieved within £15,000