Fressingfield is a village and civil parish in Mid Suffolk, situated on the higher ground between the River Waveney and Eye, close to the Norfolk border. The village is known for its 15th-century church and the historic Buck Inn. The private rental market includes period farmhouses, Victorian cottages, and village houses. Mid Suffolk District Council is the responsible local authority; no selective or additional licensing scheme is in place.
From 2026, Fressingfield landlords must comply with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished, all tenancies become periodic from the outset, and registration on the national Property Portal is mandatory. Safety certificates — EPC, gas safety record, and EICR — must be current and provided to tenants before any tenancy commences.
EPC Requirements in Fressingfield
Rental properties in Fressingfield must hold a valid EPC rated Band E or above. The village's older housing stock — including period cottages and listed buildings — may require insulation or heating improvements to meet this standard. Landlords should commission a current EPC before letting and provide a copy to tenants before or on move-in.
- Minimum EPC rating: Band E
- EPC valid for 10 years from assessment date
- Must be provided to tenants before or on move-in
- Band F and G properties cannot be legally let without a registered PRS exemption
Gas Safety in Fressingfield
Fressingfield 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 required
- Engineer must be Gas Safe registered
- Records retained for at least two years
- Non-compliance is a criminal offence
Electrical Safety (EICR) in Fressingfield
All privately rented properties in Fressingfield require an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years from a qualified electrician. C1 and C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days. Copies must be given to tenants and provided to Mid Suffolk 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 must receive the EICR before move-in
Deposit Protection in Fressingfield
Deposits from Fressingfield 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 risks fines of up to three times the deposit value.
- Protect within 30 days of receiving the deposit
- Approved schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, TDS
- Serve Prescribed Information on all named tenants
- Penalty for non-compliance: up to 3× deposit
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Fressingfield
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions and converts all tenancies to periodic agreements from the outset. Fressingfield landlords must use Section 8 grounds for possession, register on the national Property Portal, and join a landlord redress scheme. The Decent Homes Standard is extended to the private rented sector.
- Section 21 abolished — Section 8 grounds required
- Periodic tenancies from commencement
- Property Portal registration mandatory
- Landlord redress scheme membership required
- Decent Homes Standard extended to private sector
Frequently asked questions
Does Fressingfield have selective licensing?+
No. Mid Suffolk District Council does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme in Fressingfield. 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 Fressingfield?+
Band E is the current legal minimum. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let without a valid exemption registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
How often do I need a gas safety check in Fressingfield?+
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 Fressingfield?+
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions throughout England. Fressingfield landlords must use Section 8 grounds to recover possession.