Cheveley is a village and civil parish in West Suffolk, situated just east of Newmarket on the edge of the Cambridgeshire border. The village is known for its proximity to Newmarket's famous racecourse and stables, making it popular with equestrian industry workers and professionals seeking rural living close to Cambridge transport links. West Suffolk Council is the local authority; no selective or additional licensing scheme is currently in place.
In 2026, Cheveley landlords must comply with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Section 21 no-fault evictions have been abolished, all tenancies are now periodic from the start, and a mandatory national Property Portal requires landlord registration. Safety certificates — EPC, gas safety record, and EICR — must be valid and served on tenants before any tenancy commences.
EPC Requirements in Cheveley
Rental properties in Cheveley require a valid Energy Performance Certificate rated at Band E or above. Properties close to Newmarket's training grounds often include older rural buildings that may fall below this threshold without insulation improvements. Landlords should ensure their EPC is current and supply a copy to tenants before move-in.
- Minimum EPC rating: Band E
- EPC is valid for 10 years from assessment date
- Must be given to tenants before or on move-in
- Band F or G properties cannot be let without a registered exemption
Gas Safety in Cheveley
If your Cheveley rental property has gas appliances, you must arrange an annual Gas Safety Check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The Gas Safety Record (CP12) must be issued to new tenants before the tenancy commences and to existing tenants within 28 days of each annual check.
- Annual Gas Safety Check mandatory
- Must use a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Records retained for at least two years
- Failure to comply is a criminal offence
Electrical Safety (EICR) in Cheveley
Cheveley rental properties must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years. The EICR must be conducted by a qualified electrician. Any C1 or C2 defects must be fixed within 28 days. Copies must be given to tenants and provided to West Suffolk Council on request.
- EICR required every five years
- Qualified electrician must carry out the inspection
- C1 and C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days
- New tenants must receive the current EICR before move-in
Deposit Protection in Cheveley
Deposits taken from Cheveley tenants must be lodged in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days of receipt. The Prescribed Information must also be served on all named tenants within the same 30-day window. Non-compliance risks fines of up to three times the deposit.
- Protect within 30 days of receiving the deposit
- Approved schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, TDS
- Prescribed Information served on all named tenants
- Penalty for non-compliance: up to 3× deposit
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Cheveley
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 removes Section 21 no-fault evictions and introduces periodic tenancies from the start of every agreement. Cheveley landlords must use updated Section 8 grounds to recover possession, register on the national Property Portal, and join a landlord redress scheme. The Decent Homes Standard is also extended to the private rented sector.
- Section 21 abolished — Section 8 required
- Periodic tenancies from commencement
- Property Portal registration mandatory
- Landlord redress scheme membership required
- Decent Homes Standard applies to private rentals
Frequently asked questions
Does Cheveley have selective licensing?+
No. West Suffolk Council does not operate a selective or additional licensing scheme in Cheveley. Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally where five or more people from two or more households share a property.
What EPC band is required in Cheveley?+
Band E is the current legal minimum. Properties rated F or G must not be let without a valid exemption registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
How often do I need a gas safety check in Cheveley?+
Every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer carries out the check and issues the Gas Safety Record. New tenants must receive a copy before their tenancy starts.
Can I use Section 21 in Cheveley?+
No. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. To recover possession in Cheveley you must rely on a valid Section 8 ground.