by House4Students 
With more scrutiny on landlords than ever — and changes to tenancy law looming — now’s the time to check your student property is compliant. Whether you own one HMO or a growing portfolio, failing to meet the basics can mean fines, licensing issues, or worse.
But ticking the boxes isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s also about standing out in a competitive market. Here’s what to check in 2025.
1. Core Legal Requirements – The Non-Negotiables
If you don’t have these in place, you’re already at risk:
- Gas Safety Certificate – Annual check by a Gas Safe registered engineer (HSE guide)¹
- EICR (Electrical Safety) – Every 5 years (GOV.uk guide)²
- EPC – Must be E or better, but minimum C is likely by 2028
- Smoke alarms on each floor, CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel or gas boilers (Fire safety rules)³
- HMO Licence – If required by your council (check number of tenants, location, and layout)
- Deposit protected – Within 30 days in an approved scheme (TDS, MyDeposits, DPS)
- How to Rent guide issued – Most recent GOV.UK version must be given at the start of the tenancy (How to Rent)⁴
- Right to Rent checks – Passport or share code verified before letting
2. Common Gaps – Where Landlords Slip Up
Even experienced landlords miss the details:
- Overcrowding – Letting a 4-bed to 5+ people without correct licensing = breach
- Fire doors – Required in many HMOs; must self-close and be properly installed
- Furniture compliance – Sofas, mattresses, chairs must meet fire safety regs (with labels)
- Damp & mould – Especially post-winter. Gov guidance now treats this as a hazard, not just a cosmetic issue
- Broken extractor fans or lack of ventilation – Especially in bathrooms and kitchens
Remember, students won’t always report issues — but they will post reviews.
3. Beyond Compliance – What Makes You Stand Out
Minimum legal standards won’t win you the best tenants. If you want to stand out:
- Provide clear instructions on heating, bins, and appliances in a welcome pack
- Include mattress protectors, spare bulbs, and working vacuum cleaners
- Use smart thermostats, USB sockets, and decent WiFi routers
- Offer a clean, freshly painted space — not one that looks like it’s on its tenth year of wear
- Install fire extinguishers (not always legally required, but reassuring for tenants)
- Fit deadlocks on front doors and window locks for added security
- Provide a dehumidifier — especially for winter months and properties with limited ventilation
Also check: is your letting agent keeping you compliant? Don’t assume they’re on top of licensing or documentation — ask for a compliance report.
Minimum legal standards won’t win you the best tenants. If you want to stand out:
- Provide clear instructions on heating, bins, and appliances in a welcome pack
- Include mattress protectors, spare bulbs, and working vacuum cleaners
- Use smart thermostats, USB sockets, and decent WiFi routers
- Offer a clean, freshly painted space — not one that looks like it’s on its tenth year of wear
Also check: is your letting agent keeping you compliant? Don’t assume they’re on top of licensing or documentation — ask for a compliance report.
Final Word
Student lettings are becoming more regulated — and more competitive. Do the basics. Audit your portfolio. And look ahead:
- Renters’ Reform may standardise tenancy rules soon
- EPC minimums could tighten by 2028
- Councils are more aggressive on HMO enforcement
A property that’s clean, compliant, and well-communicated isn’t just legal — it’s profitable.
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