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All 11 Housing & Real Estate Guides & Tools
Verified 2026 Home Office, HMRC, NHS & DVLA compliance rules.
UK Tenancy Law, Renters Rights & Property Acquisition
Securing residential housing in the UK involves strict statutory leasing frameworks. The Renters Rights Act regulates tenancy agreements, eliminates Section 21 "no fault" evictions, and mandates deposit protection within government-approved Tenancy Deposit Schemes (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits). Foreign investors and expatriates purchasing property must factor in higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), including the 2% non-resident surcharge.
Key 2026 Statutory & Regulatory Checkpoints:
- Statutory tenancy deposit limits (maximum 5 weeks rent for annual rent under £50,000).
- Tenant right-to-rent checks, EPC energy efficiency landlord standards, and council licensing.
- SDLT calculations including the 2% international buyer surcharge and second-property surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions: Housing & Real Estate
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, deposits are capped at 5 weeks rent for tenancies where the annual rent is below £50,000, and 6 weeks rent for higher amounts.
Yes. Non-resident buyers are subject to a 2% SDLT surcharge in addition to standard residential stamp duty rates.