To Rent Cambridge Houses Legally: What Every Landlord Must Have in Place

Renting out a property in Cambridge can be rewarding—but only if it’s done by the book. With UK regulations tightening and enforcement increasing, landlords need to be crystal clear on their responsibilities. A single missing document or unchecked box could result in fines, tenancy disputes, or invalid notices. Here’s your legal landlord checklist UK landlords must follow to rent house Cambridge properties the right way in 2025.

Required Documents: EPC, Gas Safety, EICR, How to Rent Guide

Before a tenant moves in, you must provide the following:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): The property must have a valid EPC with a rating of at least C for new tenancies from 2025 onwards.

• Gas Safety Certificate: This is an annual requirement for any rental with gas appliances and must be given to tenants at the start of their tenancy.

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Required every five years, with any Category 1 or 2 hazards addressed immediately.

• ‘How to Rent’ Guide: This government booklet outlines tenant rights and must be provided in its latest version before the tenancy begins.

These documents are not optional. If any are missing, your ability to serve eviction notices (Section 21) may be legally restricted.

Tenancy Agreements and Deposit Registration

A written tenancy agreement should outline all key terms:

• Rent amount and due dates

• Length of the tenancy

• Tenant and landlord responsibilities

• Notice periods for ending the tenancy

Deposits must be:

• Protected within 30 days of receipt in a government-backed scheme (e.g., DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits)

• Accompanied by the Prescribed Information given to the tenant

Missing these steps can result in penalties of up to three times the deposit amount—and make it impossible to regain possession legally.

Landlord Licensing and Right-to-Rent Checks

Depending on the type of property and location in Cambridge, you may also need:

• HMO Licence: Mandatory if you’re letting to 5 or more people from 2 or more households. Additional licensing may apply for smaller HMOs in certain wards.

• Selective Licensing: Some Cambridge areas may fall under additional schemes—check with the council.

• Right to Rent Checks: You must verify every adult tenant’s immigration status before the tenancy begins and keep evidence on file.

These responsibilities apply regardless of whether you manage the property yourself or use an agent. Non-compliance could trigger fines or invalidate tenancies.

How Cambridge Stays Ensures Everything’s in Order

At Cambridge Stays, legal compliance is built into our process. We manage every stage of letting with full transparency and up-to-date legal knowledge.

Our landlords benefit from:

• Legally vetted tenancy agreements and documentation

• Deposit registration and prescribed information delivery

• Real-time compliance tracking for renewals and inspections

• Licensing assistance, including HMO applications and renewals

• Onboarding systems that ensure every tenant is Right to Rent checked

Whether it’s your first property or your fifteenth, we make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Want legal peace of mind from day one?

Letting property in Cambridge doesn’t have to be risky. With the right systems—and the right partner—you can stay compliant, attract better tenants, and protect your income.

Cambridge Stays helps landlords let legally, efficiently, and stress-free. Let’s make your next tenancy smooth, safe, and fully above board.