Cambridgeshire · Private rented sector
Landlord templates, Cambridge.
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Cambridge's 18,000+ private landlords across Cambridgeshire. Every template is updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, with Cambridge City Council as the local housing authority.
Private rented households
~29,000
Average monthly rent (2-bed)
~£1,500
University students (Cambridge + ARU)
~35,000
Cambridge rental market, what landlords need to know
Cambridge is one of the most supply-constrained rental markets in England outside London, driven by the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, and a rapidly expanding technology and life sciences sector along the 'Silicon Fen'. Void periods are extremely low and rents have risen consistently above the national average. The council does not currently operate borough-wide selective licensing, but additional HMO licensing covers much of the city.
Licensing requirements in Cambridge
Cambridge City Council operates additional HMO licensing covering properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households in much of the city, complementing the national mandatory HMO licence requirement for 5+ occupants. Student landlords should check whether their property falls within the additional licensing area. South Cambridgeshire District Council covers properties outside the city boundary. Always verify the position with the council before letting, schemes can be extended at any time.
Essential documents for Cambridge landlords
View all →Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement
The new default English tenancy from 1 May 2026. Periodic from day one, with the prescribed written statement of terms built in. Ships with the Form 4A rent-increase notice template and an Information Sheet delivery acknowledgement form so a buying landlord has every Phase-1 compliance document in one pack.
Section 8 Notice Pack (All Grounds)
Every mandatory and discretionary ground on the new 2026 list, pre-labelled with the notice period, arrears threshold, and evidence block.
Landlord Annual Compliance Checklist
Annual walk-through of every compliance touchpoint: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke/CO, Right-to-Rent, deposit, licensing, database registration.
Renters' Rights Act Transition Pack
For landlords who need to migrate existing ASTs onto the new regime. The single most-searched landlord product of 2026.
What changes for Cambridge landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies in full to every Cambridge tenancy from 1 May 2026, enforced locally by Cambridge City Council. The headline changes for Cambridgeshire landlords are:
- → Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished, use Section 8
- → All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements, no more ASTs
- → Rent increases via Section 13 only, contractual review clauses unenforceable
- → Pet requests must be considered, blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
- → Private landlord database registration coming, date TBC
Cambridge landlord FAQs
Which council handles landlord licensing in Cambridge?
Cambridge City Council is the local housing authority for Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. Additional HMO licensing operates here for smaller shared houses, alongside mandatory national HMO licensing for properties with 5 or more occupants. Always confirm the current designation with the council before letting, as licensing schemes and area boundaries are reviewed periodically.
Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Cambridge landlords?
Yes. Cambridge is in England and all Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions apply from 1 May 2026, abolition of Section 21, Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements for all new lettings (including student lets), Section 13 rent increases (once per 12 months, 2 months' notice on Form 4A), Awaab's Law hazard response obligations, and the Information Sheet for all existing tenants (deadline 31 May 2026). The Ground 4A student HMO ground is available for licensed student HMOs let exclusively to full-time students.
Do I need a licence to let a property in Cambridge?
Cambridge City Council operates additional HMO licensing for properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households across a large part of the city. Properties with 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households also require the national mandatory HMO licence. Use the council's licensing checker to confirm whether your property is in the additional licensing area. Operating without a required licence is a criminal or civil offence with fines up to £30,000, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order covering 12 months' rent.