RENTING out a house can be a minefield.

Regulations and requirements for landlords are always being updated.

Here is a quick overview of things to remember:

- You must see and make a copy of evidence that your tenant has a right to rent in the UK. If you are found to be renting to an illegal immigrant, you could be fined up to £3,000, plus face possible criminal sanctions.

- In order to validly serve a no fault section 21 notice to regain possession of the property (for all tenancies starting after October 1, 2015), you must have provided the tenant with an energy performance certificate, a current gas safety certificate (if applicable) and an up-to date-version of the government booklet 'How to rent: the checklist for renting in England' (go to www.gov.uk and search for ‘how to rent’).

- Also remember that new notice forms apply for tenancies starting after October 1, 2015.

- Any deposit must be held in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and the required prescribed information must have been served on the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

- Also from October 1, 2015, for both new and existing tenancies, landlords are usually required to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure they are working on the start date of the tenancy.

- If your property is a house in multiple occupation (eg bedsit, shared house/flat), a licence may be needed from the local authority.

Failure to take all or any of the above factors into account may lead to a financial penalty, fine and/or repossession difficulties, so it is vital you get your house in order at the time of the letting and take advice if you are worried that you have not.