Donington is a large village and civil parish in South Holland, Lincolnshire, best known as the birthplace of navigator Matthew Flinders, who first circumnavigated Australia. Located 6 miles north-east of Spalding on the A52 road, Donington benefits from easy access to Spalding's substantial food processing, logistics, and retail employment base, as well as Boston (12 miles north-east via A52) and the wider South Lincolnshire Fenland agricultural economy. Entry prices for semi-detached and detached properties range from £100,000–£185,000 with gross yields of 8–11%. South Holland District Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (in force 1 May 2026) applies to all private rented properties in England including Donington, abolishing Section 21, converting all new lets to periodic tenancies from day one, and requiring mandatory Property Portal registration and PRS Ombudsman membership.
South Holland District Council landlord licensing
Licensing requirements for Donington landlords:
- South Holland District Council does not currently operate a 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 South Holland 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 South Holland's website before letting
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — key obligations for Donington landlords
From 1 May 2026, all residential tenancies in England including Donington 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 Donington 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
- Donington's housing stock includes inter-war and post-war Fenland brick construction as well as older properties — commission a fresh RdSAP 10 assessment to identify the most cost-effective Band C upgrade path
- If improvement costs exceed the proposed £15,000 cost cap without reaching Band C, register a cost cap exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register
- The Matthew Flinders heritage village core may include older properties requiring sympathetic improvement approaches
Gas and electrical safety
Safety certificate requirements for Donington 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
- Properties in Donington not certified within the past 5 years should be prioritised for EICR
Deposit protection
Tenancy deposit obligations for Donington 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 Donington'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
Donington investment case
Buy-to-let fundamentals for Donington investors:
- Gross yields of 8–11% on entry prices of £100,000–£185,000 — strong for a South Holland Fenland village-town with Spalding and Boston employment access
- A52 road provides direct access to Spalding (6 miles south-west) — covering its major food processing, logistics, and retail employment base
- Boston (12 miles north-east via A52) adds access to South Lincolnshire's port and industrial employment market
- Matthew Flinders heritage character, village community environment, and very affordable prices attract families and agricultural workers seeking South Lincolnshire Fenland living
- No selective licensing removes a compliance layer — stable agricultural, food, and logistics sector tenant demand supports consistent occupancy
Frequently asked questions
Does Donington have selective licensing?+
No. South Holland 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 South Holland District Council before letting.
When does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Donington landlords?+
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and applies to all private rented properties in England, including Donington. 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 Donington rental property need?+
Currently Band E is the minimum. The Government has confirmed Band C as the target by 2030. Commission an RdSAP 10 assessment to identify the most cost-effective route to Band C for your Donington property. Register a cost cap exemption if improvement costs exceed £15,000.
Is Donington a good buy-to-let location?+
Donington offers 8–11% gross yields on entry prices of £100,000–£185,000. A52 access to Spalding (6 miles) and Boston (12 miles), South Holland's agricultural and food sector employment, and no selective licensing support stable occupancy in this South Lincolnshire Fenland village-town.