Flats to Let Cambridge UK: Common Legal Mistakes Landlords Make in Cambridge UK

Letting a flat in Cambridge should be rewarding, not risky. But many landlords unknowingly stumble into legal pitfalls that can cost thousands in fines—or worse, result in voided tenancies. If you manage flats to let Cambridge UK, here’s what you need to avoid.

Mistake 1: Not Registering the Tenancy Deposit Properly

One of the most common—and costly—errors landlords make is failing to register the tenant’s deposit with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) within 30 days. If you don’t protect the deposit and issue the required documentation, you risk legal action, fines up to three times the deposit, and trouble regaining possession.

Mistake 2: Letting Without the Right Licensing

In Cambridge, licensing isn’t just for large HMOs. Some areas fall under Article 4 Directions or Additional Licensing Schemes. Whether you’re offering a flat to let Cambridge as a short-term or long-term rental, you need to check if your property type and postcode require special permissions. Ignoring this could lead to enforcement action.

Mistake 3: Missing or Expired Safety Certificates

Letting without valid certificates is not only illegal—it’s dangerous. You must have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (renewed annually), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, and a minimum EPC rating of E. Smoke alarms must be installed and tested at the start of every tenancy, and CO alarms where solid fuel is used.

Mistake 4: Incomplete or Non-Compliant Tenancy Agreements

Generic tenancy templates downloaded online often miss key legal clauses or fail to meet updated requirements. For example, changes from the Tenant Fees Act or new Section 21 processes must be included in your contract. A solid tenancy agreement protects both you and your tenant—and is vital if legal disputes arise.

Mistake 5: Failing to Serve the Right Documents

From the "How to Rent" guide to EPCs and deposit information, landlords must provide a specific pack of documents at the start of the tenancy. Miss one, and your rights (like serving notice) can be significantly limited. This paperwork isn’t optional—it’s legal necessity.

Cambridge Stays Keeps Every Property Fully Legal and Compliant

We don’t just manage properties to let Cambridge—we make sure they’re bulletproof. Cambridge Stays ensures every flat meets legal obligations, from tenancy deposit registration to full licensing, safety certification, and documentation. For both short let Cambridge UK and long-term rentals, we handle compliance so you don’t have to.

Don’t Risk Fines or Tenant Disputes

Protect your property, your income, and your peace of mind. Work with Cambridge Stays, the Cambridge property letting agency that landlords trust for fully compliant, stress-free management.