Renters' Rights Act 2025 � Impact on Lakenheath Landlords
- Section 21 abolished for all tenancy types � no commencement-date exemption
- Ground 1A: owner-occupation (2 months' notice, cannot use within first 12 months)
- Ground 8A: three months' arrears at both notice date and hearing
- Tenants gain right to request permission to keep a pet � landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
- Rent increase limited to once per 12 months; tenant can challenge via First-tier Tribunal
EPC and Energy Efficiency Requirements
- EPC E minimum � F and G properties are unlawful to market or let
- EPC C proposed for new lets from 2030; all lets from 2033
- Bungalows and older detached stock common in Lakenheath may need insulation upgrades
- Landlord cost cap under consultation � likely �15,000 per property
- Exemptions apply where EPC C is not technically or economically feasible
Licensing and Safety Standards � West Suffolk Council
- Mandatory HMO licence required: 5+ occupants in 2+ separate households
- Annual gas safety check (CP12) from a Gas Safe engineer � keep records for 2 years
- Five-yearly EICR with any Category 1 or 2 defects remediated promptly
- Smoke alarm on each storey; CO alarm in rooms with gas or solid-fuel combustion appliances
- Legionella risk assessment recommended for properties with complex water systems