Free Resource · Updated 2026

Complete UK Landlord Compliance Checklist (2026)

A simple guide for UK landlords to stay compliant and avoid fines.

EPC Certificate

  • Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing the property
  • Ensure the property achieves a minimum rating of E or above
  • Provide a copy of the EPC to prospective tenants
  • Renew the EPC every 10 years (or sooner if major works are carried out)
  • Display the EPC rating in all property advertisements

Penalty for non-compliance: up to £5,000 per property. From 2025 onwards, the government plans to raise the minimum standard to a C rating for new tenancies.

Gas Safety Certificate

  • Have all gas appliances, fittings, and flues checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
  • Obtain a Gas Safety Record (CP12) after each inspection
  • Provide a copy of the Gas Safety Record to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
  • Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in
  • Keep records of all gas safety checks for at least two years

Penalty for non-compliance: up to £6,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. This is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)

  • Commission an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a qualified electrician
  • Ensure the EICR is carried out at least every 5 years
  • Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
  • Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in
  • Carry out any remedial works identified in the EICR within 28 days (or sooner if specified)
  • Provide written confirmation of completed remedial works to tenants and the local authority if requested

Penalty for non-compliance: up to £30,000 per breach. Mandatory for all private rental properties in England since 1 July 2020.

Deposit Protection Rules

  • Protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits) within 30 days of receipt
  • Provide the tenant with Prescribed Information about the scheme within 30 days
  • Ensure the deposit does not exceed 5 weeks' rent (for annual rent under £50,000)
  • Return the deposit within 10 days of agreeing any deductions at the end of the tenancy
  • Use the scheme's dispute resolution service if there is a disagreement about deductions

Penalty for non-compliance: a court can order you to pay the tenant up to 3× the deposit amount. You also cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice while the deposit is unprotected.

Right to Rent Checks

  • Check that all adult occupants (aged 18+) have the right to rent in England before the tenancy begins
  • Verify original identity documents in person (passport, biometric residence permit, etc.) or via the Home Office online service
  • Make and retain copies of all documents checked
  • Carry out follow-up checks for tenants with time-limited right to rent
  • Report tenants who no longer have the right to rent to the Home Office

Penalty for non-compliance: civil penalty of up to £3,000 per occupant for a first breach; unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment for repeated or deliberate breaches.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property used as living accommodation
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance (e.g. gas boiler, open fire)
  • Test all alarms on the first day of each new tenancy
  • Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly when informed by the tenant
  • Keep records of alarm tests and any maintenance carried out

Penalty for non-compliance: local authorities can issue a remedial notice and, if ignored, carry out the works themselves and charge the landlord up to £5,000.

How to Stay Compliant as a Landlord

  • Keep a compliance calendar with renewal dates for EPC, Gas Safety, and EICR certificates
  • Set reminders at least 4–6 weeks before each certificate expires
  • Store all certificates and documents in a single, accessible location
  • Review government guidance annually — regulations change regularly
  • Use property management software to automate deadline tracking and document storage
  • Join a landlord association (e.g. NRLA) to stay informed of legislative changes

LandlordHero tracks all of these deadlines automatically and alerts you before certificates expire — so you never miss a renewal.

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