Flow diagrams
Every landlord process, on one page
Each step, the timings and what can go wrong — checked against official sources. Open one full screen, send it to yourself, or print it.
Section 8 eviction
The lawful route to get a property back in England since 1 May 2026. Section 21 has gone; every case uses Section 8 with a ground.
11 steps · EnglandRent increase
Since 1 May 2026 the only lawful way to raise the rent on a private tenancy in England is a Section 13 notice.
5 steps · EnglandSelling a rental
Three ways to sell. Since 2026, selling with the tenant in place is often the quickest.
6 steps · EnglandDeposits
Get the deposit right at the start and you can use it at the end — and you avoid penalties and possession problems.
7 steps · EnglandRent arrears
From the first missed payment to getting the property back — and the money.
9 steps · EnglandAntisocial behaviour
Nuisance, crime or a closure order — the two grounds and how fast they work.
5 steps · EnglandDamage & breaches
When a tenant breaks the tenancy terms or damages the property.
5 steps · EnglandTenant dies
The tenancy doesn't end automatically. Handle it carefully and kindly.
5 steps · EnglandTenant leaving
Notice, surrender, abandonment — and getting the property ready for the next tenant.
4 steps · EnglandFinding a tenant
Adverts, viewings, referencing and money up front — what's allowed now.
5 steps · EnglandStarting a tenancy
Get these right on day one and every later step — rent increases, possession — is easier.
6 steps · EnglandRepairs & damp
Deal with repairs quickly and keep a record — it protects you if there's ever a dispute.
6 steps · EnglandPet requests
You can't just say no any more — but you can say no for a good reason.
5 steps · EnglandCompliance
The checks every private landlord needs — and how often.
7 steps · EnglandWales possession
Wales has its own system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — English Section 8, Section 21 and Form 3A don't apply.
7 steps · WalesScotland eviction
Scotland uses Private Residential Tenancies and a tribunal, not the county court.
5 steps · ScotlandRecovering rent
Getting the property back and getting the money back are separate steps.
6 steps · EnglandOlder tenancies
If your tenant moved in before 1 May 2026, this is what happened to their tenancy — and what you should have done.
5 steps · EnglandProperty in trust for children
The decisions, the tax and the paperwork when a parent buys or gives a buy-to-let for their children. General information only — get a solicitor and tax adviser before you act.
9 steps · UKDivorce and your portfolio
How properties are dealt with when landlords separate — personally owned, in a limited company or in trust. General information only — speak to a family solicitor.
9 steps · England & WalesPortfolio into a company
The decisions and the tax when landlords think about incorporating. General information only — get an accountant to model your own numbers before you do anything.
8 steps · UKFamily investment company
How families use a company to hold rental property or investments for their children while keeping control. General information only — a FIC needs a tax adviser and a solicitor.
8 steps · UKCGT on selling
How the tax on your profit works when you sell a buy-to-let, and the 60-day deadline. General information — get an accountant to work out your figure.
7 steps · UKMaking Tax Digital
Quarterly digital updates to HMRC for landlords, phased in from April 2026 by income.
6 steps · UKBuying a buy-to-let
What to check and pay before you buy a rental property — tax, lending, licensing and the rules it must meet.
7 steps · England (UK notes)Gifting a rental
Handing a buy-to-let (or a share of it) to a child without a trust: the tax and the traps. General information only.
6 steps · UKLandlord dies
What happens to a rental property and its tenants when the owner dies.
7 steps · EnglandJoint owners dispute
When co-owners of a rental (siblings, partners, friends) can't agree on keeping or selling it.
6 steps · England & WalesChild maintenance & rent
How rental income can count towards child maintenance through the Child Maintenance Service.
6 steps · UK (CMS)HMO licensing
When a shared house needs a licence, and how to get one.
6 steps · EnglandPRS Database
The new landlord register under the Renters' Rights Act — who, when and what it costs.
6 steps · EnglandEPC rules
The minimum EPC rating to let a home now, and the proposed C by 2030.
6 steps · England & WalesAbandoned property
When you think a tenant has left — and what you can do with what's still there.
6 steps · EnglandCouncil enforcement
When the council inspects your rental under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
6 steps · EnglandUC direct payments
When the tenant is on Universal Credit and rent isn't being paid.
6 steps · UK (GB)Lodgers
Renting a room in the home you live in — the tax-free allowance and the lodger's rights.
6 steps · England (UK tax)Non-resident landlord
Tax on UK rent when your usual home is outside the UK.
6 steps · UKRight to Rent
Checking every adult tenant can legally rent in England — before the tenancy starts.
6 steps · England