We work with landlords, tenants and other agencies to achieve safe, decent and affordable housing for all private rented sector tenants.
Our Private Rented Sector Housing Standard provides a comprehensive reference for use by landlords and property professionals.
The standard addresses various aspects of property letting. In particular, it covers those that must be achieved to ensure tenants' health, safety and well-being, and compliance with legislation.
If you are considering renting out your home you may also find the following information valuable in ensuring that you make the right decisions.
Resident landlords
If you are landlord who has one or more lodgers living in your property and sharing some facilities with you, you are a resident landlord.
Resident landlords still need to comply with relevant legislation. If you have more than two lodgers it is likely your property will be classed as a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The government provides a guide to becoming a resident landlord.
Guidance for property guardians
A ‘property guardian’ is someone who has agreed to live in an empty building, or part of one, for the primary purpose of securing and safeguarding it. This is not a statutory or official definition, but it is widely accepted.
Property guardian companies advertise for people to live in unused premises that they normally don’t own, and collect rent from the guardians.
If you are currently acting as a property guardian, or considering entering into such an arrangement, it is important that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities and can make an informed decision about your choice.
