Gislingham is a village and civil parish in Mid Suffolk, set in gently rolling countryside to the north-west of Eye and west of Diss. The village has a small private rental market made up largely of traditional Suffolk farmhouses and cottages. Mid Suffolk District Council is the responsible local authority; no selective or additional licensing scheme is in operation.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings significant changes for Gislingham landlords from 2026. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished, all tenancies become periodic agreements from the start, and registration on the national Property Portal is mandatory. Safety documentation — EPC, gas safety record, and EICR — must be current and served on tenants before any tenancy begins.
EPC Requirements in Gislingham
Rental properties in Gislingham must hold a valid EPC rated Band E or above. Older rural properties in the village — including period farmhouses and listed buildings — may require insulation or heating upgrades to achieve this standard. Landlords should obtain a current EPC before marketing and provide a copy to tenants before 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 Gislingham
Gislingham 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
- 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 Gislingham
Gislingham rental properties require an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years from a qualified electrician. C1 and C2 defects must be fixed within 28 days. Landlords must give copies to tenants and provide them to Mid Suffolk District Council on request.
- EICR every five years
- Qualified electrician must carry out the inspection
- C1 and C2 defects fixed within 28 days
- New tenants must receive the EICR before move-in
Deposit Protection in Gislingham
Deposits collected from Gislingham tenants must be placed in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days. 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 receiving the deposit
- Use DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS
- Prescribed Information served on all named tenants
- Penalty: up to 3× deposit for non-compliance
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Gislingham
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions and requires all tenancies to be periodic from the outset. Gislingham landlords must use Section 8 grounds for possession, join a landlord redress scheme, and register on the national Property Portal. The Decent Homes Standard also extends to the private rented sector.
- Section 21 abolished — Section 8 grounds required
- All tenancies periodic from commencement
- Property Portal registration mandatory
- Landlord redress scheme membership required
- Decent Homes Standard applies to private rentals
Frequently asked questions
Does Gislingham have selective licensing?+
No. Mid Suffolk District Council does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme in Gislingham. 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 Gislingham?+
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 Gislingham?+
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 Gislingham?+
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions throughout England. Gislingham landlords must rely on Section 8 grounds to recover possession.