Long Stratton is a village and civil parish in the South Norfolk district of Norfolk, situated on the A140 road 10 miles south of Norwich and 10 miles north of Diss. The village has grown significantly as a Norwich commuter settlement and has its own shops, schools, and community facilities. The A140 provides direct road access to Norwich city centre in approximately 20 minutes. Entry prices for semi-detached and detached properties range from £175,000–£310,000 with gross yields of 6–9%. South Norfolk 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 Long Stratton, abolishing Section 21, converting all new lets to periodic tenancies from day one, and requiring mandatory Property Portal registration and PRS Ombudsman membership.
South Norfolk District Council landlord licensing
Licensing requirements for Long Stratton landlords:
- South Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk District Council's website before letting
Renters' Rights Act 2025 — key obligations for Long Stratton landlords
From 1 May 2026, all residential tenancies in England including Long Stratton 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 Long Stratton 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 Stratton has a mix of post-war and 1970s–1990s housing alongside newer developments — many properties may already be close to Band C
- Commission a fresh RdSAP 10 assessment if your certificate is over 5 years old to confirm your current rating and the most cost-effective Band C improvement route
- If improvement costs exceed the proposed £15,000 cost cap without reaching Band C, register a cost cap exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register
Gas and electrical safety
Safety certificate requirements for Long Stratton 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 built before 1980 in Long Stratton should be prioritised for EICR if no certificate has been obtained within the past 5 years
Deposit protection
Tenancy deposit obligations for Long Stratton 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 Long Stratton'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
Long Stratton investment case
Buy-to-let fundamentals for Long Stratton investors:
- Gross yields of 6–9% on entry prices of £175,000–£310,000 — strong for a South Norfolk commuter village 10 miles from Norwich with A140 road access in 20 minutes
- A140 direct road to Norwich city centre, Royal Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, UEA, and the Norwich professional employment base in approximately 20 minutes
- Growing commuter demand from Norwich workers seeking affordable South Norfolk village living — significantly more affordable than Norwich suburbs with strong schools and community facilities
- No selective licensing simplifies compliance — increasing population and limited rental stock support low voids and stable rental income
- South Norfolk planning policy has approved significant new housing around Long Stratton — growing population base supports consistent and expanding tenant demand
Frequently asked questions
Does Long Stratton have selective licensing?+
No. South Norfolk 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 Norfolk District Council before letting.
When does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Long Stratton landlords?+
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and applies to all private rented properties in England, including Long Stratton. 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 Long Stratton rental property need?+
Currently Band E is the minimum. The Government has confirmed Band C as the target by 2030. Long Stratton's post-war and 1970s–1990s housing stock may already be close to Band C. Commission an RdSAP 10 assessment to confirm and register a cost cap exemption if improvement costs exceed £15,000.
Is Long Stratton a good buy-to-let location?+
Long Stratton offers 6–9% gross yields on entry prices of £175,000–£310,000. A140 road access to Norwich in 20 minutes, affordable South Norfolk pricing, growing population, and no selective licensing support consistent professional and family tenant demand.