Clowne is a former colliery village in the Bolsover district of north-east Derbyshire, located approximately 7 miles east of Chesterfield and 4 miles north of Bolsover, with direct A618 road access to the M1 at Junction 30 (6 miles). The local economy draws on distribution and logistics employment in the M1 corridor, Chesterfield Royal Hospital (7 miles), and light manufacturing. Entry prices for terraced and semi-detached houses range from £80,000–£125,000 with gross yields of 9–12%. Bolsover District Council does not currently operate a district-wide selective licensing scheme.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, applies to all private rented properties in England including Clowne. It abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, converts all tenancies to periodic from day one, and requires mandatory Property Portal registration and PRS Ombudsman membership before any property can be let.
Bolsover District Council licensing
Licensing requirements for Clowne landlords:
- Bolsover District Council does not currently operate a district-wide selective licensing scheme — always verify the current position with the council before letting
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties with 5 or more persons from 2 or more households — apply to Bolsover District Council
- HMO licence conditions include minimum room sizes, fire detection, annual gas safety certificate, 5-yearly EICR, and deposit protection
- The Renters' Rights Act 2025 Property Portal and PRS Ombudsman registration (mandatory from 1 May 2026) are additional to any local licensing
- Selective licensing can be introduced by any council with 10 weeks' consultation notice — check the council website before letting
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — key obligations for Clowne landlords
From 1 May 2026, all residential tenancies in England including Clowne operate under the Renters' Rights Act 2025:
- Section 21 no-fault evictions abolished — all possessions must use a statutory ground from the new Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988
- Fixed-term tenancies cannot be granted for new lets from 1 May 2026 — all tenancies are periodic from the first day
- Tenants can end any tenancy with two months' written notice at any time
- Property Portal registration is mandatory before any property can be let — the Portal opens 1 May 2026
- PRS Ombudsman membership is mandatory from 1 May 2026 for all private landlords in England
- Rent increases must use the statutory Section 13 notice — contractual rent review clauses have no effect
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements
EPC compliance for Clowne landlords:
- Current minimum: EPC Band E — properties below Band E cannot be let without a valid PRS Exemptions Register entry
- EPC Band C is confirmed government policy for 2030 — new lets from 2028 are likely to require Band C
- Clowne's post-war semi-detached and terraced housing stock is generally responsive to energy improvement — cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and boiler replacement typically achieve Band C at moderate cost
- Commission a fresh RdSAP 10 assessment if your certificate is over 5 years old to plan Band C improvements ahead of 2030
- If improvement costs exceed the proposed £15,000 cost cap without reaching Band C, register a cost cap exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register
Gas and electrical safety
Safety certificate requirements for Clowne rental properties:
- Annual gas safety check (CP12) by a Gas Safe registered engineer — mandatory under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- CP12 must be provided to new tenants before occupation and to existing tenants within 28 days of each annual check
- Five-yearly EICR — mandatory for all private rented properties in England; code C1/C2 defects must be fixed within 28 days
- Smoke alarms required on every storey; carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a gas appliance
- Older properties in Clowne may have dated wiring — commission an EICR promptly if the property has not been tested within the past 5 years
Deposit protection
Tenancy deposit obligations for Clowne landlords:
- All deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme — DPS, myDeposits or TDS — within 30 days of receipt
- Prescribed Information must be served on the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit
- Maximum deposit: 5 weeks' rent for annual rents under £50,000; 6 weeks' rent for annual rents over £50,000
- At Clowne's rent levels the 5 weeks cap is very unlikely to present a practical constraint
- Failure to protect on time prevents valid Section 8 service and exposes the landlord to a penalty of 1–3 times the deposit
Clowne and Bolsover District investment case
Why investors choose Clowne for high-yield buy-to-let:
- Gross yields of 9–12% on entry prices of £80,000–£125,000 — strong for north-east Derbyshire
- M1 Junction 30 (6 miles) provides motorway access to Sheffield (14 miles), Chesterfield (7 miles), Nottingham (18 miles), and the wider M1 corridor
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital (7 miles) and Markham Vale employment site provide stable local employment driving rental demand
- Low entry prices and an absence of selective licensing simplify the compliance framework for portfolio landlords
- Bolsover District Council's regeneration investment supports improving economic fundamentals in the area
Frequently asked questions
Does Clowne have selective licensing?+
No. Bolsover District Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties with 5 or more persons from 2 or more households. Always verify with Bolsover District Council before letting.
When does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Clowne landlords?+
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and applies to all private rented properties in England, including Clowne. Section 21 is abolished, all new lets are periodic, and landlords must register on the Property Portal and join the PRS Ombudsman.
What EPC band does my Clowne rental property need?+
Currently Band E is the minimum. The Government has confirmed Band C as the target by 2030. Clowne's post-war housing stock is generally responsive to energy improvement via cavity wall insulation and loft upgrades at moderate cost.
Is Clowne a good buy-to-let location?+
Clowne offers 9–12% gross yields on entry prices of £80,000–£125,000. M1 J30 connectivity and Chesterfield Royal Hospital employment support consistent rental demand, and the absence of selective licensing simplifies compliance for landlords.