Landlord Guides & Articles
Practical guides for UK landlords on Making Tax Digital, HMO compliance, the Renters' Rights Act, Section 24 and more from the RentVault team.
Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant for Professional Cleaning?
Compliance · 2026-07-21 · 2 min read
Professional cleaning is one of the most contested deposit deduction items. Landlords frequently include it; tenants frequently dispute it; deposit scheme adjudicators deal with it constantly.
MTD Quarter 1 — What If You Made a Mistake? How to Correct Your Submission
Tax & MTD · 2026-07-21 · 5 min read
The deadline for your first MTD quarterly submission is 7 August 2026. Many landlords will submit on time, review their figures afterwards, and realise something is wrong.
What Is a Periodic Tenancy? What Every Landlord Needs to Know After the Renters' Rights Act
Legal Updates · 2026-07-21 · 3 min read
Since 1 May 2026, periodic tenancies have been the default for all private residential lettings in England.
How to Increase the Rent Under the Renters' Rights Act — The Section 13 Process
Legal Updates · 2026-07-20 · 5 min read
Since 1 May 2026, the way landlords increase rent has changed fundamentally.
Is Landlord Software Worth It in 2026? The Honest Answer for UK Self-Managing Landlords
Tax & MTD · 2026-07-14 · 8 min read
With MTD live and Section 21 abolished, the case for managing on spreadsheets is harder than ever. Here is the honest answer on when landlord software is worth it — and when it isn't.
Student Let Turnaround 2026: Ground 4A, Deposits and What Changes This Summer
Legal Updates · 2026-07-14 · 6 min read
July and August are the busiest months of the year for student landlords. Old tenants leave, new tenants move in, properties need to be turned around, and deposits need to be settled.
Landlord Allowable Expenses: The Complete 2026 Guide
Tax & MTD · 2026-07-07 · 8 min read
Every landlord doing their first MTD quarterly submission or preparing their self-assessment return faces the same question: what can I actually claim? The answer matters more than most landlords realise.
Section 21 Transitional Window Closes 31 July 2026 — What Landlords Must Do Now
Legal Updates · 2026-07-07 · 4 min read
If you served a Section 21 notice on a tenant before 1 May 2026, you are in the final weeks of a closing legal window.
Making Tax Digital for Landlords — The Complete 2026 Guide
Tax & MTD · 2026-06-24 · 12 min read
Everything UK landlords need to know about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — who is affected and when, the thresholds, quarterly submissions, Section 24, penalties, and how to get compliant.
HHSRS Changes 23 June 2026 — What Every UK Landlord Needs to Know
Compliance · 2026-06-19 · 8 min read
The HHSRS is being simplified from 23 June 2026 — 29 hazards become 21, A-J bands become High, Medium and Low. Here is what changes, what stays the same, and what landlords need to do now.
Thinking of Leaving the Market? Why Staying Compliant Beats Selling Up
Compliance · 2026-06-19 · 10 min read
Tens of thousands of landlords are exiting over compliance anxiety — yet the data shows those who stay and get organised are thriving. Here is why, plus a 30-day plan to get compliant.
How to Serve a Section 8 Notice in 2026 — The Complete Landlord Guide
Legal Updates · 2026-06-14 · 10 min read
Section 8 is now the only route to possession in England. This step-by-step guide covers every ground, the correct notice periods, and how to serve a notice that stands up at court.
Section 21 Is Gone — What Every Landlord in England Must Do Now
Legal Updates · 2026-06-09 · 8 min read
Section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Here is what changed, what grounds you can now use, and exactly what to do next.
Your First MTD Quarterly Submission Is Due 7 August 2026 — Here's Exactly What to Do
Tax & MTD · 2026-06-04 · 7 min read
Your first MTD quarterly update, covering April to June 2026, is due by 7 August 2026. Here is exactly what to submit, how to submit it, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
HMO Licensing 2026: A Complete Compliance Checklist for UK Landlords
Compliance · 2026-05-12 · 13 min read
HMO landlords face one of the heaviest compliance burdens in UK rental law. Mandatory, additional and selective licensing explained, plus a full 2026 checklist for staying compliant.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025: A Complete Guide for UK Landlords
Legal Updates · 2026-05-07 · 14 min read
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant change to private rental law since 1988. Section 21 abolition, new possession grounds, the landlord database and Awaab's Law explained.
MTD ITSA for UK Landlords: April 2026, 2027 and 2028 Explained
Tax & MTD · 2026-04-30 · 13 min read
MTD ITSA is now mandatory for landlords with combined qualifying gross income from UK property and self-employment exceeding £50,000 (from April 2026). The threshold drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028. Quarterly submissions, digital records, and what you need to do.