While modern property law is highly regulated, remnants of ancient statutes and customs still linger in the legal framework. Some of these archaic laws may seem bizarre, yet they remain legally enforceable and could potentially impact landlords in unexpected ways. Here are ten such laws that property owners should be aware of.

1. Chancel Repair Liability

Landlords with properties near certain historic churches could be held responsible for chancel repairs. This stems from a medieval law requiring landowners to contribute to church maintenance costs. Although the law was reformed in 2013, some properties remain subject to this obligation, potentially leading to unexpected and costly repair bills.

2. Peppercorn Rent

In some lease agreements, particularly older ones, landlords may still come across the concept of “peppercorn rent.” This refers to a nominal rent—often as little as a single peppercorn per year—designed to satisfy legal requirements for a lease without requiring significant financial payment. While this practice is largely symbolic today, it can still be found in historic long-term leases where ownership obligations are more important than financial gain.

3. The Right to Light

Dating back to the 1832 Prescription Act, the “right to light” gives tenants and neighboring property owners legal protection against new developments that significantly reduce natural light to their property. If a window has received uninterrupted daylight for 20 years or more, the owner may have a right to prevent obstructions, posing a challenge for landlords planning renovations or extensions.

4. The Rule Against Perpetuities

This legal principle, with origins in feudal England, limits how long property interests can be held before passing to another party. While its application is rare, landlords dealing with old trusts or long-term leases should be cautious, as outdated conditions may still impose restrictions on property transactions.

5. The Liability for Lodgers Under the Poor Laws

Although the Poor Laws were largely repealed, traces of them still exist. Historically, landlords who rented to tenants who later became impoverished could be held responsible for their upkeep. While this principle is not actively enforced today, older tenancy agreements may still contain clauses referencing outdated landlord obligations.

6. Ancient Rights of Common

Some properties still come with rights or obligations linked to ancient grazing and land use laws. For example, a property might be subject to commoners’ rights, allowing locals to graze livestock or collect firewood. Landlords who unknowingly interfere with these rights could face legal challenges.

7. Manorial Rights

Under centuries-old manorial law, certain properties remain subject to manorial rights, which could grant local lords claims over mines, minerals, or even access across a property. Although many of these rights were required to be registered by 2013, some remain enforceable, creating potential headaches for unsuspecting landlords.

8. The Covenant to Maintain Boundaries

Some historic deeds contain restrictive covenants requiring landlords to maintain hedgerows, fences, or even specific architectural styles. Failure to uphold these covenants, no matter how old they are, could lead to legal disputes with neighbors or even local authorities.

9. The Duty to House the King's Troops

A remnant of laws from the 17th and 18th centuries, landlords once had a legal duty to house soldiers. While modern statutes prevent forced quartering, some archaic leases or property obligations still reference outdated military housing requirements, though they are no longer enforceable in practice.

10. Restrictions on Hanging Laundry

While it may seem trivial today, some historic leases still contain clauses preventing tenants from hanging laundry outside their properties. These restrictions, often tied to concerns about maintaining appearances in Georgian or Victorian-era developments, can still technically be enforced if referenced in a lease agreement.

While many of these archaic laws may seem irrelevant, they can still have surprising legal implications for landlords. Understanding these outdated obligations can help property owners avoid unexpected complications—and, in some cases, even turn quirky legal relics to their advantage.