Letting your property. Doing it right.
Everything a landlord needs to know about letting legally, managing compliantly and working with the right agent — updated for the Renters Rights Act 2025.
May 2026
WG Property · Hull & East Yorkshire
01482 961097 · will@wgpropertyhull.co.uk
wgpropertyhull.co.uk
Before You Let
Before a property can be legally let, several requirements must be in place. These are not optional. WG Property handles all of these on behalf of landlords on our Full Management service.
Planning a refurbishment before letting? We project manage pre-let refurbishments across Hull — specifying the right finish, overseeing trades and getting your property tenant-ready efficiently. Find out more →
What the Law Requires
These are the key obligations every landlord must meet before, during and at the end of every tenancy. Failure to comply can result in fines, invalid notices and in some cases criminal prosecution.
All adult occupants must have their right to rent in the UK verified before the tenancy begins. Records must be kept for the duration of the tenancy plus one year. Penalties of up to £20,000 per occupant apply.
Every deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed information must also be issued to the tenant within 30 days. We use TDS. Failure to comply prevents you serving valid possession notices.
The current version of the government’s How to Rent guide must be provided to every new tenant before the tenancy begins. Using an outdated version is treated as non-compliance. We check for updates before every new instruction.
Hull City Council operates selective licensing schemes in designated areas. A licence is required before letting in those areas. Designated areas change periodically — always check at hullcc.gov.uk before a new instruction.
What Has Changed
The most significant reform to residential lettings in a generation. Every landlord needs to understand what has changed and how it affects their properties and tenancies.
No-fault evictions are no longer permitted. You can only end a tenancy on specific legal grounds — such as significant rent arrears, breach of tenancy or wishing to sell or move in. All possession must go through the courts.
Fixed-term tenancies cannot be granted for new tenancies. All new agreements are periodic from the outset, rolling month to month. This applies to all new WG Property tenancies immediately.
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. A Section 13 notice must be served with at least two months’ written notice. Tenants can challenge any increase at the First-tier Tribunal. WG Property prepares and serves Section 13 notices for £30.
Tenants now have the right to request a pet in writing. You can only refuse on reasonable grounds. You can require pet damage insurance as a condition of consent.
What this means in practice: Good tenant selection and watertight documentation now matter more than ever. With Section 21 gone, your ability to recover possession depends entirely on legal grounds — which require correct paperwork and a compliant tenancy from day one. This is exactly what WG Property manages on your behalf.
Choosing the Right Service
We offer two core services. The right choice depends on how much involvement you want in the day-to-day running of your property.
We find, vet and place a quality tenant. You take over management once the tenancy begins.
Includes: marketing, viewings, referencing, Right to Rent, tenancy agreement, inventory, deposit registration and move-in coordination.
£500 minimum · No VAT
We handle everything. You receive your rent and your monthly statement — nothing else is required from you.
Includes: all Let Only services plus rent collection, arrears management, inspections, maintenance coordination, compliance management, legal notices and monthly statements.
£350 letting fee · £250 re-let fee · No VAT
Not sure which is right for you? Most landlords with more than one property choose Full Management — the compliance burden alone makes self-management increasingly difficult post-Renters Rights Act. View our full fee schedule →
During the Tenancy
The quality of your tenant determines the quality of your experience. Our vetting process is thorough by design — and our management approach keeps your investment protected throughout.
Every applicant goes through affordability checks, a full credit search, previous landlord reference, Right to Rent verification and a UK-based homeowner guarantor where applicable. We pre-screen before viewings so only suitable applicants see your property.
Initial inspection at 8 weeks, then every 6 months thereafter. Each visit produces a written report with photographs sent to you. A minimum of 24 hours’ written notice is always given before entry.
Tenants report via our portal. We respond within 24 hours for non-emergency issues with contractors booked within 48 hours. Emergency issues are dealt with immediately. All works require your prior approval and are carried out by vetted local contractors.
Arrears are monitored from day one. We follow a clear escalation process — prompt communication, formal notices where required and legal proceedings if necessary. You are kept informed at every stage.
Moving On & Switching
Possession is now a more considered process post-Renters Rights Act. Understanding the grounds available and having the paperwork in order from day one is essential.
With Section 21 abolished, possession must be sought on specific grounds. Common grounds include significant rent arrears, breach of tenancy, wishing to sell or move in. All cases go through the courts. WG Property manages this process on your behalf.
We carry out a checkout inspection comparing the property against the original inventory. Any legitimate deductions are agreed with you before a claim is made. Deposits are returned within 10 days where no deductions apply.
Straightforward. Serve notice to your current agent in line with your existing contract — we liaise with them directly to ensure a smooth handover with no disruption to your tenants or rental income.
Managing multiple properties across several agents is inefficient and increases compliance risk. We offer consolidated reporting, regular rent reviews and a direct line to a director for landlords who bring their whole portfolio to WG Property.
Ready to switch? Call Will directly on 01482 961097 or email will@wgpropertyhull.co.uk. We will take it from there.
Speak to Will Directly
Whether you are letting for the first time or looking for a more reliable management partner, we are happy to have a straightforward conversation about your property and your options.