"Real estate" covers very different businesses, each with its own regulator and — because much of this is devolved — its own rules across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This path takes you through it in order. First, work out which rules apply to you. Then put the duties every property business shares in place. Then follow the rules for your activity. Finally, check you have covered everything.
Step 1 — Work out which rules apply
Identify whether you are an estate agent selling property, a lettings or managing agent, a private landlord, a social housing provider or a licensed venue. Each has a different regulator and rules.
Step 2 — Put the shared duties in place
Every real estate business must protect personal data, avoid discrimination, insure its employees, manage health and safety and keep premises fire-safe before it takes on staff, clients or tenants.
Step 3 — Follow the rules for your activity
Now work through the guide for what your business does. If more than one applies — many agents both sell and let, and many landlords act as their own agent — follow each relevant guide.
If you sell property (estate agency)
Register with HMRC for anti-money-laundering supervision, join a redress scheme, follow the Estate Agents Act conduct duties and commission an EPC before marketing.
If you let or manage property (lettings agency)
Protect client money, join a redress scheme, publish your fees and follow the ban on tenant fees.
If you rent out property (landlord)
Meet the gas, electrical, fire and fitness duties, protect deposits and meet the minimum energy rating. Licence any HMO and, in England, carry out Right to Rent checks.
Step 4 — Confirm you are compliant
Work through the real estate compliance checklist to confirm every obligation that applies to your business is in place.