The Legal Rights Every Landlord Should Know (But Often Don’t) And How MLS Legal Has You Covered

Being a landlord in the UK offers tremendous opportunity , consistent income, property appreciation and long-term investment growth. But with that opportunity comes legal responsibility, and many landlords are unaware of the full extent of their legal rights or how to properly use them.

Knowing your rights is essential not just to protect your property, but to protect your income, reduce disputes and avoid costly legal challenges. At MLS Legal, we’ve seen time and time again how a lack of legal knowledge has left landlords exposed. From invalid evictions to fines over missing documents, the risks are real — but preventable.

Here are five key legal rights every landlord in the UK should know, and how MLS Legal ensures you stay protected and profitable.

1. The Right to Access Your Property — With Proper Notice

As a landlord, you have the legal right to access your property for essential reasons — such as inspections, maintenance, safety checks or repairs. However, many landlords don’t realise that they must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice, and that access must be at a reasonable time of day unless it’s an emergency.

Entering without notice is a breach of the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment and could lead to legal action or harassment claims. Similarly, tenants cannot refuse reasonable access for legally required maintenance.

How MLS Legal Helps:

We guide landlords on how to properly serve notice for access, ensuring communication is clear, documented and legally compliant. Our legal team also handles access disputes on your behalf so you never end up on the wrong side of the law.

2. The Right to Receive Rent on Time — and Take Action When It’s Late

You have the legal right to receive rent according to the terms of the tenancy agreement. If rent is missed, you have options , but timing and process matter.

Many landlords are unsure when they can issue notices or begin legal proceedings, and acting too early or too late can invalidate a claim. In some cases, landlords wait months, losing thousands in unpaid rent simply because they don’t know how to enforce their rights.

How MLS Legal Helps:

We monitor rent payments in real time, send formal reminders and issue the correct notices (such as Section 8) when required. Our legal team acts swiftly to protect your income and ensures every step is taken properly to avoid delays in enforcement.

3. The Right to Regain Possession of the Property

If you want your property back, whether due to non-payment, property sale, or the end of a fixed term, you have the legal right to begin possession proceedings. However, how and when you do this depends on the type of tenancy, the reason for possession and the notice period required.

Many landlords are unaware that giving the wrong notice, serving it incorrectly, or missing paperwork (like the gas certificate or How to Rent guide) can make their notice invalid.

How MLS Legal Helps:

We handle the entire possession process from start to finish, including issuing Section 21 or Section 8 notices, gathering evidence, and managing court proceedings if necessary. We also conduct compliance checks to ensure your right to possession cannot be challenged.

4. The Right to Protect Your Investment with a Deposit

Landlords in the UK have the right to collect a tenancy deposit but they are also legally required to protect that deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Failing to do so means you cannot evict using Section 21 and may face a fine of up to three times the deposit amount.

Many landlords think that placing the deposit in a scheme is enough, but you must also provide prescribed information and proof of protection to the tenant.

How MLS Legal Helps:

We ensure every deposit is correctly protected and all legal documentation is issued on time. This keeps you compliant, protects your right to possession and avoids financial penalties.

5. The Right to Set and Review Rent — Within Legal Limits

You have the right to charge market rent and review it periodically, but the process depends on the type of tenancy and the clauses in your agreement. For example, during a fixed-term tenancy, rent can only be increased if the tenancy agreement includes a rent review clause.

Without the correct clause or notice, a rent increase could be challenged or invalidated by a tribunal.

How MLS Legal Helps:

Our legal experts draft clear rent clauses and advise on the correct procedure for increases. We also assess market rates to ensure you’re earning what your property is worth legally and competitively.

Why Partner with MLS Legal

At MLS Legal, we go beyond advice we act as your legal partner in every aspect of tenancy management. From drafting airtight tenancy agreements to handling notices, disputes, compliance and possession proceedings, we’re here to ensure you’re always protected, informed and legally secure.

When you work with us, you don’t need to worry about what you don’t know. We cover every legal detail so you can focus on what matters , growing your investment and getting paid on time.

Ready to protect your rights and your rental income? Contact MLS Legal today and find out how we can help you stay compliant, stress-free and fully in control.