Renters' Rights Act 2025 � Key Changes for Lavenham Landlords
- Section 21 abolished � all tenancies become open-ended periodic from commencement
- Ground 1A: owner-occupation or close family member � 2 months' notice required
- Ground 8A: at least 3 months' cumulative arrears at notice date and hearing
- Tenants gain right to request pets � refusal must be reasonable and in writing
- Rent review limited to once per year via Section 13; tenant can refer to First-tier Tribunal
EPC Rules for Listed Buildings and Heritage Properties in Lavenham
- EPC E minimum applies to all non-exempt properties � F and G cannot lawfully be let
- Listed buildings: apply for an EPC E exemption if compliance would alter character or appearance
- Exemption must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register � lasts 5 years
- Solid wall properties without cavity may qualify for high-cost exemption above the �15,000 cap
- EPC C target proposed for 2030 (new lets) and 2033 (all lets) � plan insulation work early
Licensing and Safety Standards � Babergh District Council
- Mandatory HMO licence: 5+ occupants in 2+ separate households
- Annual gas safety certificate (CP12) � keep for 2 years and provide copy to tenants
- Five-yearly EICR from a qualified electrician � remediate all Category 1 defects promptly
- Smoke alarm on every storey; CO alarm in rooms with solid fuel or gas appliances
- Consider fire risk assessment for multi-storey or multi-occupancy period properties