7th January 2022

The 2022 Cheshire Lettings Legislation Guide

Being a Cheshire landlord means keeping on top of the ever-changing legislative landscape. 2022 will see new legislation brought in, which Cheshire landlords need to be prepared for. To help take control of your time as a landlord, we have put together the 2022 Cheshire Lettings Legislation Guide for Cheshire landlords.


Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government implemented several Coronavirus centric legislation pieces to protect the rental sector. 

Right to rent checks, eviction notices, and mortgage holidays were all part of the methods implemented to help protect both tenants and landlords.

As the nation continues to vaccinate and learn to live with Covid, many restrictions have wound down or are soon to end.

With the new year comes new legislation in the Cheshire rental sector, affecting tenants and landlords. 

Several changes are set to take place on 1 April 2022, including the changes to the right to rent checks and processes relating to digital tax. 2022 is also a notable year for the Renters Reform Bill. The white paper was initially set to be published last autumn but has instead been delayed to the coming months.


Key Dates in 2022


1 April 2022 – Right to Rent checks


The pandemic limited the ability to have face-to-face encounters, which saw a rise in the demand for virtual viewings. The Government made amendments that allowed for Cheshire landlords and letting agents to carry out right to rent checks using video documentation and copies of prospective tenants paperwork. This included passports, birth certificates and driving licenses.

The Government has made it clear that they will be looking to digitise the process as much as possible in the future. The EU and EEA currently allow their tenants to have a shareable code that proves their right to rent, and can be shared with letting agents and landlords. This is a process that the UK Government could look towards for Cheshire landlords, letting agents and tenants.


1 April 2022 – Making Tax Digital for VAT


The Government’s plans to make HMRC “one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world” means that landlords and letting agents will have to play their part. All landlords and letting agents registered for VAT will be required to sign up to Maxing Tax Digital.

Digital VAT records need to be kept, and software packages must be used to submit them. A full list of of the relevant software can be found on the Government’s website.

Key dates beyond 2022

When it comes to legislation, the key is to be forward-thinking. With the number of changes set to take place this year, and the inevitable proposals that will be brought forward as well, there are also some key legislative points to note beyond 2022.


1 April 2023 – ​​Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy (UK)

Businesses that are regulated for anti-money laundering (AML), will have to adhere to the Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy. The levy will be charged based on companies that are registered between 1st April 2022 and March 2023, meaning the first payments will be due from 1 April 2023. The fee will be fixed but will depend on the size of your registered business.

6 April 2024 – Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessments (UK)

Income and expenses will need to be submitted digitally four times annually in 2024. This will apply to businesses who are registered for Income Tax Self Assessments and with an annual business or property income above £10,000. Allowances and adjustments will only need to be submitted once per year.


To be a successful Cheshire landlord and property investor, you need to be aware of legislative changes as and when they happen. Part of the success is being able to adapt to the changes in advance, keeping you from facing fines, court appearances and potentially time behind bars. Working with a proactive managing agent who are able to comply with legislation in advance will give you the peace of mind, and the returns from your property you deserve. For more information, contact us today.

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