Before a tenant crosses the threshold, there is a set of legal obligations every landlord in Milton Keynes must fulfil. Miss any one of them and you risk fines, invalidated notices, or difficulty recovering your property. This guide sets out exactly what the law requires — and what is changing under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulated advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Safety certificates and checks
Gas safety
If your property has any gas appliances, you must arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The resulting certificate must be handed to the tenant before they move in — not after, not on the day. Keep a copy yourself for at least two years.
Electrical safety
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a qualified person. You are required to provide your tenant with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before they move in, or within 28 days of the inspection taking place. The report must show the installation is satisfactory.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
The law requires at least one working smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation. At the start of each new tenancy, you must confirm these are in working order — a quick test on move-in day is standard practice.
A carbon monoxide alarm is legally required in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or log-burning stove. Check each room individually rather than relying on a single unit placed elsewhere.
Energy Performance Certificate
You must obtain a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing your property — not once a tenant has been found. The certificate must be made available to prospective tenants. Milton Keynes City Council and the government's private landlord guidance both confirm this is a legal requirement, not optional. Most privately rented properties must currently achieve a minimum EPC rating of E.
Right to Rent checks
Landlords in England are legally required to check that every tenant aged 18 or over has the right to rent in this country. This applies in Milton Keynes as it does everywhere in England. You must see original documents, check them in the presence of the holder, and keep copies. Failing to carry out these checks carries significant financial penalties.
Protecting the tenancy deposit
Any deposit you take must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt. You must also give the tenant written information — known as Prescribed Information — about which scheme holds their deposit and how to reclaim it. Failing to protect a deposit can prevent you from using a Section 21 notice and may result in a financial penalty of up to three times the deposit amount.
HMO licensing in Milton Keynes
If you are letting a property to three or more people from more than one household, it may be classified as a House in Multiple Occupation. Some HMOs require a licence from Milton Keynes City Council. Mandatory licensing applies to larger HMOs, but Milton Keynes City Council also operates additional licensing schemes in certain areas. Check with the council directly before letting to multiple unrelated tenants — the rules can depend on the specific location within the borough.
If you are considering letting property in Milton Keynes, understanding HMO rules early avoids costly surprises.
What is changing under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
For new tenancies starting after 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 will introduce Assured Periodic Tenancies as the default. Fixed-term tenancies will no longer be available for new lets. Landlords will be required to provide a clear, written record of the key tenancy terms at the outset. If you are planning to list a rental property in Milton Keynes, it is worth familiarising yourself with these changes now rather than waiting until they come into force.
A quick pre-tenancy checklist
- Valid gas safety certificate provided to tenant before move-in
- EICR provided before move-in or within 28 days of inspection
- Smoke alarms tested and working on every habitable floor
- Carbon monoxide alarm fitted where required
- EPC obtained before marketing
- Right to Rent checks completed and documented
- Deposit protected and Prescribed Information served
- HMO licence obtained if applicable
- Written tenancy terms prepared (essential from May 2026)
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