Clare is a small market town in the Babergh district of Suffolk, situated on the River Stour near the Essex border. It retains much of its medieval character, including a Norman castle mound and a significant number of timber-framed buildings. The rental market attracts tenants who value historic charm and a quieter pace of life, with access to Sudbury and Haverhill for employment. Babergh District Council is the relevant local authority; no selective or additional licensing scheme is in place.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings fundamental changes for Clare landlords from 2026. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished, all tenancies become periodic from the outset, and landlords must register on a new national Property Portal. Safety documentation — EPC, gas safety record, and EICR — must be valid and served on tenants before any tenancy begins.
EPC Requirements in Clare
All rental properties in Clare must have a valid EPC rated Band E or above. Clare's heritage buildings — including medieval timber-framed structures and listed properties — can be difficult and expensive to insulate to modern standards. Landlords of listed buildings may qualify for a PRS exemption if upgrades would unacceptably alter the character of the property, but the exemption must be registered before letting.
- Minimum EPC rating: Band E
- EPC valid for 10 years from date of assessment
- Must be given to tenants before or on move-in
- Listed buildings may qualify for a PRS exemption — must be registered
Gas Safety in Clare Rentals
Clare landlords with gas appliances must arrange an annual Gas Safety Check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The Gas Safety Record (CP12) must be given to new tenants before the tenancy starts and to existing tenants within 28 days of each annual renewal.
- Annual Gas Safety Check mandatory
- Engineer must hold Gas Safe registration
- Records retained for at least two years
- Failure is a criminal offence
Electrical Safety (EICR) in Clare
Private rented properties in Clare require an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years from a qualified electrician. C1 and C2 defects must be rectified within 28 days. A copy must be supplied to tenants and to Babergh District Council on request.
- EICR every five years
- Qualified electrician must carry out the inspection
- C1 and C2 defects remedied within 28 days
- New tenants receive the EICR before move-in
Deposit Protection in Clare
Deposits from Clare tenants must be placed in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed Information must be served on all named tenants within the same period. Non-compliance attracts fines of up to three times the deposit value.
- Protect within 30 days of receipt
- Use DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS
- Serve Prescribed Information on all named tenants
- Penalty: up to 3× deposit for non-compliance
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Clare Landlords
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 ends Section 21 no-fault evictions and requires all tenancies to be periodic from the start. Clare landlords must now use Section 8 grounds to recover possession, join a government-approved landlord redress scheme, and register on the national Property Portal. The Decent Homes Standard is also extended to private rentals.
- Section 21 abolished — Section 8 only
- All tenancies periodic from commencement
- Property Portal registration mandatory
- Landlord redress scheme membership required
- Decent Homes Standard extended to private sector
Frequently asked questions
Does Clare Suffolk have selective licensing?+
No. Babergh District Council does not operate a selective or additional licensing scheme in Clare. Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties occupied by five or more people from two or more separate households.
What EPC band is required in Clare?+
Band E is the current legal minimum. Listed buildings where compliant improvements would unacceptably alter the character may register a PRS exemption — but the exemption must be formally recorded before the property is let.
How often do I need a gas safety check in Clare?+
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 the tenancy commences.
Is Section 21 still available in Clare?+
No. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Clare landlords must rely on Section 8 grounds to recover possession.