Journey

Start a lettings agency

Compliance requirements for starting a property letting business in the UK

Construction & Property Starting Updated 3 November 2026

  1. Set up your business and register for tax

    Choose a structure and tell HMRC you are trading.

    Sole trader or limited company

  2. Join a redress scheme and protect client money

    Join a redress scheme before you trade, and protect any landlord or tenant money you hold.

    Registering with a redress scheme as a property agent Protecting clients' money if you're a property agent

  3. Register for money laundering supervision

    Needed before you let any property at a rent of 10,000 euros or more a month.

    Money laundering supervision for letting agency businesses

  4. Charge only permitted fees and protect deposits

    Most fees to tenants are banned, deposits are capped and must go into a scheme.

    Protect tenant deposits within 30 days

  5. Check the properties you let

    Energy efficiency, safety and the rules on renting.

    Meet energy efficiency standards for let properties Fire safety duties for landlords of residential properties What the Renters' Rights Act means for landlords

  6. Arrange insurance

    Cover for claims about your advice or service, and for staff.

    Professional indemnity insurance for businesses Choosing the right business insurance

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