Complete UK Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026

Before letting

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — Valid EPC required before marketing. Minimum rating E. Fine up to £5,000 for non-compliance.
• Right to Rent checks — Check original identity documents for all adult occupiers. Civil penalty up to £20,000 per occupier.
• Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Current certificate required before tenant moves in. Annual check thereafter.
• Electrical safety (EICR) — Valid EICR (every 5 years). Provide to tenants before occupation. Fine up to £30,000.
• Smoke and CO alarms — Smoke alarm on every storey, CO alarm in rooms with combustion appliances. Fine up to £5,000.
• Deposit protection — Protect within 30 days of receipt. Provide prescribed information. Penalty: 1-3x deposit amount.

During the tenancy

• Annual gas safety check — Provide copy to tenant within 28 days
• EICR renewal — Every 5 years, remedial work within 28 days of unsatisfactory result
• Repairs and maintenance — Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 s.11 obligations (structure, heating, water, sanitation)
• Fitness for habitation — Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
• Rent increases — Section 13 only (Renters' Rights Act 2025). Once per 12 months, 2 months' notice minimum.
• Selective licensing — Check if your area requires a landlord licence

Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes

• Section 21 abolished — No more no-fault evictions
• All tenancies periodic — No fixed terms
• Landlord register — All landlords must register
• PRS Ombudsman — Mandatory membership for all landlords
• Decent Homes Standard — Applied to private rented sector
• Pet requests — Cannot unreasonably refuse pets

At end of tenancy

• Deposit return — Within 10 days of agreement on deductions
• Inventory comparison — Fair wear and tear excluded from deductions
• Meter readings — Take final readings and notify utility providers