Haughley is a large village and civil parish in Mid Suffolk, situated north-west of Stowmarket and a short distance from the A14. The village has a range of housing from historic Suffolk farmhouses and cottages to more modern properties, and its proximity to Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds makes it popular with commuters. Mid Suffolk District Council is the relevant local authority; no selective or additional licensing scheme is in place.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings major changes for Haughley landlords from 2026. 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 valid and provided to tenants before any tenancy commences.
EPC Requirements in Haughley
Rental properties in Haughley must hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate rated Band E or above. Older properties in the village may need insulation or heating improvements to meet this threshold. Landlords should commission an up-to-date EPC before marketing the property and supply a copy to every tenant 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 let without a registered PRS exemption
Gas Safety in Haughley
Haughley 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 check.
- 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 Haughley
All privately rented properties in Haughley require an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years from a qualified electrician. C1 and C2 defects must be fixed 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 conduct the inspection
- C1 and C2 defects remedied within 28 days
- New tenants must receive the EICR before move-in
Deposit Protection in Haughley
Deposits from Haughley tenants must be protected 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 results in fines of up to three times the deposit.
- Protect within 30 days of receipt
- Approved schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, TDS
- Serve Prescribed Information on all named tenants
- Penalties up to 3× deposit for non-compliance
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Haughley
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions and converts all tenancies to periodic agreements from the outset. Haughley landlords must now use Section 8 grounds for possession, register on the Property Portal, and join a landlord redress scheme. The Decent Homes Standard is extended to private rentals.
- 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 Haughley have selective licensing?+
No. Mid Suffolk District Council does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme in Haughley. 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 Haughley?+
Band E is the current legal minimum. Properties rated F or G cannot be let without a valid exemption registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
How often do I need a gas safety check in Haughley?+
Every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer issues the Gas Safety Record. New tenants must receive a copy before the tenancy commences.
Is Section 21 still available in Haughley?+
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions throughout England. Haughley landlords must use Section 8 grounds to recover possession.