Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Primary legislation defining fundamental landlord and tenant obligations, including property maintenance standards and responsibilities of both parties

Housing Act 2004: Key legislation outlining housing standards and defining specific responsibilities of landlords and tenants in residential properties

Limitation Act 1980: Sets statutory time limits for making claims, with generally 6 years allowed for contractual claims related to tenant damages

Tenant Fees Act 2019: Regulates charges that can be demanded from tenants and provides framework for deposit handling and protection

Deposit Protection Schemes Regulations: Specific regulations governing the handling of tenant deposits and the process for making legitimate deductions

Consumer Rights Act 2015: Ensures fairness and transparency in contractual relationships between landlords and tenants

Common Law - Duty to Mitigate: Legal principle requiring landlords to take reasonable steps to minimize their losses when claiming damages

Common Law - Wear and Tear: Legal principle distinguishing between actual damage and normal deterioration of property through reasonable use

Evidence Requirements: Legal requirement to provide concrete evidence of damages and associated costs, including documentation and receipts

Depreciation Consideration: Legal requirement to account for the depreciation of items when calculating damages, considering their age and condition