Kent (Medway) · Private rented sector
Landlord templates, Chatham.
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Chatham's 2,800+ private landlords across Kent (Medway). Every template is updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, with Medway Council as the local housing authority.
Local Authority
Medway Council (unitary)
County
Kent
Rail Access
HS1 to London St Pancras ~40 min
Road Access
A2, M2, M25 via A249
Nearest Hospital
Medway Maritime Hospital
Typical Gross Yield
6�9%
Chatham rental market, what landlords need to know
Chatham is the largest town in the Medway unitary authority in north Kent, with one of the highest concentrations of private rented housing in the South East. Demand is driven by Medway NHS Foundation Trust, University for the Creative Arts, Chatham Maritime employment, and London commuters on the High Speed 1 rail line (St Pancras in under 40 minutes). Entry prices for terraced houses range from �150,000��220,000, producing gross yields of 6�9% � among the strongest in the South East. Medway Council operates active selective licensing schemes in several wards; landlords must check the Medway licensing postcode map before letting any property.
Licensing requirements in Chatham
Medway Council operates selective licensing schemes in designated wards covering parts of Chatham, Gillingham and Strood. All privately rented properties in designated wards require a selective licence regardless of size or occupancy. Selective licence conditions include: annual gas safety certificate, 5-yearly EICR, EPC Band E minimum, smoke and CO alarms, and Right to Rent checks. Operating without a required licence is a criminal offence � unlimited fine or civil penalty up to �30,000. Always check the Medway Council licensing map for your specific postcode.
Essential documents for Chatham 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 Chatham landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies in full to every Chatham tenancy from 1 May 2026, enforced locally by Medway Council. The headline changes for Kent (Medway) 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
Chatham landlord FAQs
Which council handles landlord licensing in Chatham?
Medway Council is the local housing authority for Chatham, Kent (Medway). Both selective licensing (covering all private rented homes in designated areas) and additional HMO licensing (covering smaller shared houses) currently operate here, on top of 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 Chatham have selective licensing?
Yes. Medway Council operates selective licensing schemes in designated wards covering parts of Chatham, Gillingham and Strood. All privately rented properties in designated wards require a selective licence regardless of size. Always check the Medway Council licensing map for your specific postcode before letting.
Is Chatham a good buy-to-let location?
Chatham offers gross yields of 6�9% on entry prices of �150,000��220,000 � one of the most compelling yield markets in the South East. HS1 connectivity, Medway Maritime Hospital employment and the University for the Creative Arts support consistent rental demand. Landlords must comply with Medway selective licensing and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 framework.