Compliance guide · England
Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026: Key Obligations for Private Landlords in England
This page sets out the key statutory obligations that typically apply to private residential landlords in England, reflecting requirements as at April 2026 and updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 which came into force on 1 May 2026. It is not a complete legal statement of every obligation that may apply in every case — additional requirements may apply depending on property type, location, HMO status, and local authority rules. Each obligation is described briefly; follow the links for the full guide. This checklist is intended to help landlords structure and record their compliance actions — it does not constitute a guarantee that every obligation applicable to a specific property has been identified. This page is derived from UK legislation and official GOV.UK guidance. It is not legal advice.
Your obligations depend on your property and tenancy
The obligations below apply to most standard private assured tenancies in England. Additional requirements apply to HMOs, properties in selective licensing areas, properties with certain tenure types, and properties in certain local authority areas. Always verify the specific requirements that apply to your property and seek advice if you are unsure.
Safety certificates and inspections
Safety — certificates and inspections
Annual Gas Safety Check (CP12)
All gas appliances and flues provided for tenant use must be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The Gas Safety Record must be kept for 2 years and provided to tenants within 28 days (existing tenants) or before move-in (new tenants). Criminal offence to breach. Full guide →
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Fixed electrical installation must be inspected at least every 5 years (or more frequently if the report specifies) by a qualified person. Unsatisfactory reports (C1/C2) require remediation within 28 days. Copy provided to tenants within 28 days. Civil penalty up to £30,000 per breach. Full guide →
A valid EPC must exist for the property before it is marketed or let. The minimum EPC rating for private rented properties in England is currently E. The government has consulted on raising this to C for new tenancies — check current GOV.UK guidance for any updates since this page was published. EPC must be provided to prospective tenants.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
At least one smoke alarm must be installed on each storey of the property used as living accommodation and must be tested on the first day of each new tenancy. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker). Source: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
Deposit protection and required documents
Deposit and prescribed documents
Deposit protection
If a tenancy deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt. The prescribed information about the scheme must be provided to the tenant within 30 days. Failure to protect may affect possession proceedings and expose the landlord to a penalty of 1–3 times the deposit amount. Full guide →
How to Rent guide
The current version of the government's How to Rent guide must be provided to tenants at the start of each new tenancy (and re-provided when it is updated, if the tenancy continues). Available from GOV.UK. The correct version must be served — an outdated version does not satisfy the obligation.
Renters' Rights Act 2025 obligations
RRA 2025 — in force from 1 May 2026
RRA Information Sheet — existing tenancies
The government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 must be provided to tenants in relevant pre-1 May 2026 assured/AST tenancies with wholly or partly written terms by 31 May 2026. For new tenancies from 1 May 2026, separate written tenancy information requirements apply. Full guide →
Pet request process
Tenants have a statutory right to request a pet. Landlords must respond in writing within the statutory period — ordinarily 28 days. If further information is reasonably requested, the landlord must respond within 7 days of receiving it. Failure to respond within the applicable period is treated as consent. Full guide →
Rent increases — Section 13 only
From 1 May 2026, rent increases for most assured tenancies must be made using the statutory Section 13 process (Form 4A). Contractual rent review clauses can no longer be used for new rent increases. Minimum 2 months' written notice required. Tenant may refer the increase to the First-tier Tribunal. Full guide →
PRS Database registration
The Private Rented Sector Database is planned to open for registration from the late-2026 rollout. Once operational, registration will be mandatory. The government has stated that unregistered landlords will not be able to rely on certain Section 8 possession grounds. Exact dates and fee to be confirmed. Monitor GOV.UK for updates.
Possession — Section 8
Possession — from 1 May 2026
Section 8 is the only possession route
Section 21 can no longer be used. All possession claims must be brought under Section 8 using a specific statutory ground from Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended). Each ground has specific requirements. Courts assess each case individually. Always take legal advice before serving a notice. Full grounds guide →
Additional obligations that may apply
Depending on your property and circumstances, additional obligations may apply. These include:
May apply depending on property type and location
HMO licensing
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households require a mandatory HMO licence from the local authority. Many local authorities also operate additional or selective licensing schemes covering other property types. Check with your local authority.
Right to rent checks
Landlords in England must check that each adult occupier has the right to rent in the UK before the start of the tenancy. The check must be repeated when a time-limited right to rent expires. Penalties for non-compliance may include a civil penalty or, in some cases, criminal liability.
Legionella risk assessment
Landlords have a duty under health and safety legislation to consider the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems at their rental properties and to take steps to manage that risk. For most residential properties this is a straightforward risk assessment rather than a formal inspection regime, but it should be documented.
Record this. For each obligation on this checklist: record when it was completed, how it was evidenced, and when it was served on the tenant where applicable. A checklist is not evidence — the dated record behind it is.
Not legal advice.
Not a complete statement of the law, and not a guarantee of compliance. This checklist covers the key obligations that typically apply to standard private assured tenancies in England as at April 2026. Following this checklist does not guarantee legal compliance — obligations vary by property type, local authority, and individual circumstances. It does not cover every obligation that may apply in every case. Additional requirements apply to HMOs, licensed properties, and properties subject to local authority schemes. This guide is derived from UK legislation and official GOV.UK guidance and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements and consult a qualified adviser for advice specific to your situation.