Long Melford is one of Suffolk's most attractive villages, stretching along the A134 south of Bury St Edmunds. Its rental market draws professional tenants commuting to Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, and Colchester, as well as families attracted by the village's schools and character. The antiques trade and tourist footfall also support holiday let demand.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies to all private rented properties in England including Long Melford, abolishing Section 21, converting all new lets to periodic tenancies, and requiring mandatory Property Portal registration and PRS Ombudsman membership.
Babergh District Council landlord licensing
Licensing requirements for Long Melford landlords:
- Babergh District Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme in Long Melford — 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 Babergh 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 are mandatory in addition to any local licensing
- Selective licensing can be introduced by any council with 10 weeks' consultation notice — check Babergh District Council's website before letting
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — key obligations for Long Melford landlords
All residential tenancies in England including Long Melford are affected:
- 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 — 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
- PRS Ombudsman membership is mandatory for all private landlords in England
- Rent increases must use the statutory Section 13 notice — contractual rent review clauses have no effect
EPC requirements for Long Melford rental properties
Energy efficiency obligations for Long Melford 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
- Long Melford has a significant stock of Victorian and Edwardian properties — solid-wall construction may require external or internal wall insulation to reach Band C
- Listed buildings may qualify for an EPC exemption if compliance would unacceptably alter their character — register on the PRS Exemptions Register
- If improvement costs exceed the proposed £15,000 cost cap without reaching Band C, register a cost cap exemption
Gas and electrical safety
Safety certificate requirements for Long Melford 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; C1/C2 defects must be remediated within 28 days
- Smoke alarms required on every storey; carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a gas or solid fuel appliance
- Keep gas safety records for a minimum of 2 years
Deposit protection
Tenancy deposit obligations for Long Melford 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
- Failure to protect on time prevents valid Section 8 service and exposes the landlord to a penalty of 1–3 times the deposit
Frequently asked questions
Does Long Melford have selective licensing?+
No. Babergh District Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme in Long Melford. Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties with 5 or more persons from 2 or more households. Always verify with Babergh District Council before letting.
What EPC band does my Long Melford rental property need?+
Currently Band E is the minimum. The Government has confirmed Band C as the target by 2030. Long Melford's Victorian and Edwardian stock may need wall insulation or heating upgrades. Listed buildings may be eligible for an exemption.
Is Long Melford a good buy-to-let location?+
Yes. Long Melford attracts professional tenants commuting to Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, and Colchester. Entry prices of £220,000–£400,000 and yields of 4–6% suit landlords seeking quality long-term tenancies in a desirable village setting.