Property Policies

1. Overview

YourHostMateLets is a UK-based property platform designed to connect landlords, agents, and tenants in a safe, transparent, and legally compliant environment. All users must comply with:

• UK housing and tenancy laws
• The Renters' Rights Act (England, expected implementation 2026)
• Consumer protection laws, including fair trading and advertising standards
• All relevant safety, licensing, and compliance obligations

By using YourHostMateLets, you agree to follow these Property Policies. We reserve the right to remove listings, restrict accounts, or take further action where users breach these rules.

2. Legal Compliance for Landlords & Agents

By listing a property, landlords and agents confirm that they are legally entitled to do so and that the property complies with all applicable UK regulations.

2.1 Tenancy Law (England – 2026 Framework)

Landlords must ensure compliance with current and upcoming reforms, including:

• Tenancies operating as periodic agreements (rolling tenancies) where applicable
• Use of lawful eviction procedures only (e.g. valid grounds under Section 8 where required)
• Proper notice periods for rent increases and tenancy changes
• Fair and non-discriminatory treatment of tenants

2.2 Mandatory Documents & Safety Requirements

Before listing and letting a property, landlords must ensure:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) minimum rating of E (current legal requirement)
• Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) renewed annually where gas is present
• Electrical Safety Report (EICR) valid inspection at least every 5 years
• Deposit Protection deposits must be registered in a government-approved scheme within required timeframes
• Right to Rent Checks verification of tenants' legal right to rent in England
• Prescribed Information all legally required documents must be provided to tenants before or at the start of the tenancy

Failure to comply may result in listing removal and reporting to authorities.

3. Property Listing Requirements

3.1 Accuracy & Transparency

Listings must:

• Clearly state the monthly rent and any permitted charges
• Accurately describe the property condition, features, and availability
• Include genuine, up-to-date images of the property

Misleading or deceptive listings are strictly prohibited.

3.2 Pricing & Letting Rules

To comply with UK law and fair practice standards:

• Listings must display a fixed asking rent
• Users must not encourage or participate in rental bidding practices
• Any upfront payments must comply with UK law (e.g. holding deposits, rent in advance)
• All charges must be transparent and lawful

3.3 Listing Legitimacy

You may only list a property if:

• You are the legal owner, landlord, or authorised agent
• You have permission to let or sublet the property
• The property is safe, habitable, and legally compliant

YourHostMateLets may request verification at any time.

4. Prohibited Listings

The following listings are not allowed on YourHostMateLets:

• Fake, fraudulent, or misleading listings
• Duplicate listings intended to manipulate visibility
• Properties that do not meet legal safety standards
• Listings that promote illegal activity or non-compliant lettings
• Discriminatory listings (including restrictions based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010)

Violations may result in immediate listing removal, account suspension or permanent ban, and reporting to relevant enforcement bodies.

5. Tenant Safety Guidelines

Tenants using YourHostMateLets should take reasonable precautions:

• Do not send money before viewing a property or verifying the listing
• Confirm landlord or agent identity where possible
• Be cautious of below-market deals or urgent payment requests
• Ensure any deposit is protected in an approved scheme

YourHostMateLets does not handle rental payments and cannot guarantee third-party transactions.

6. Verification Policy (Trust & Safety)

6.1 Verified Landlords

Landlords may obtain a Verified Badge by completing identity and ownership checks, which may include government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and proof of ownership or right to let. Verification is a one-off payment-based service, valid for ongoing use unless revoked, and subject to periodic re-checks.

6.2 Verified Tenants

Tenants may obtain a Verified Badge valid for 60 days by submitting government-issued ID and basic referencing information (e.g. employment status or income confirmation). Verification helps landlords assess applicants more confidently but does not guarantee suitability.

6.3 Verification Disclaimer

Verification confirms that documents have been reviewed, not that users are risk-free. YourHostMateLets does not guarantee payment reliability, behaviour of tenants or landlords, or property condition or legal compliance. Users must still conduct their own due diligence.

6.4 Fraud Prevention Measures

YourHostMateLets may use automated fraud detection systems, manual review processes, and behaviour monitoring and account flagging. Accounts suspected of fraud may be temporarily restricted, permanently banned, or reported to relevant authorities.

7. Enforcement & Compliance

YourHostMateLets actively monitors compliance with platform policies and UK law.

7.1 Enforcement Actions

We reserve the right to remove or edit listings, suspend or terminate accounts, restrict platform access, and withhold or reverse services where misuse is detected.

7.2 Legal Cooperation

We may share information with local councils and housing authorities, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies, where required by law or to prevent fraud, harm, or illegal activity.

7.3 Zero-Tolerance Violations

Immediate removal applies to scam listings, identity misrepresentation, and requests for illegal payments (e.g. unprotected deposits).

8. Dispute Resolution

YourHostMateLets provides a structured process to resolve disputes fairly. We may assist with disputes relating to listing accuracy, payments made through the platform, verification services, and misrepresentation claims. We do not intervene in private tenancy disputes outside the platform, legal eviction processes, or contractual disagreements beyond our services.

Users must submit a dispute within 14 days of the issue. Both parties may be required to provide screenshots, messages, and payment proof. All decisions are made at the platform's discretion.

9. Policy Updates

YourHostMateLets reserves the right to update these policies at any time to reflect changes in UK legislation, regulatory requirements, or platform improvements. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated policies.

10. Contact

For any queries regarding these policies: support@yourhostmatelets.co.uk