Landlord Compliance Checklist for England (2026)
Private landlords in England have a mixture of recurring safety duties, one-off tenancy tasks and local requirements. This checklist covers the main national rules, but it does not replace checking local licensing requirements or getting advice on a specific tenancy.
Gas safety: every 12 months where you supply gas
If you supply gas appliances or flues, a Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out a gas safety check within 12 months of installation and annually after that. Keep the gas safety record for two years, give existing tenants a copy within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a current record before they move in.
You can usually arrange the next annual check up to two months before the existing deadline without losing the original renewal date. Keep records of reasonable attempts to gain access if a tenant does not let the engineer in.
Electrical safety: inspection at least every five years
Private rented properties generally need the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so. Keep the EICR and give it to a new tenant before occupation, an existing tenant within 28 days, and the council within seven days if it asks for it.
If an EICR requires remedial work or further investigation, arrange it within 28 days or sooner if the report requires it. Give the tenant written confirmation and evidence of completion within 28 days of the work.
EPC and minimum energy efficiency
Where an EPC is required, it is normally valid for 10 years unless replaced by a newer one. Make it available to prospective tenants and provide it before the tenancy agreement is signed.
The current minimum remains EPC E for domestic private rented property in England and Wales, unless a valid exemption applies. In January 2026 the government confirmed its policy for a higher standard, subject to the necessary legislation: all tenancies in scope are intended to comply by 1 October 2030, using reformed EPC metrics or an applicable transitional route or exemption.
The government intends a maximum required investment of £10,000 per property over the relevant period, with spend on eligible improvements from 1 October 2025 capable of counting towards the cap. Detailed regulations and updated guidance are still required, so check GOV.UK before commissioning work.
Deposits: protect and give information within 30 days
For a deposit that must be protected, use a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it. Give the required prescribed information within the same 30-day period.
A court can order a landlord who has not complied to repay the deposit or protect it and may award the tenant up to three times the deposit. Get specific advice before serving possession paperwork where a deposit issue is involved.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Provide at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation. Provide a carbon monoxide alarm in every room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, other than a gas cooker.
Make sure alarms work at the start of a new tenancy. If a tenant tells you an alarm is faulty and it is found not to be in working order, repair or replace it promptly. Extra fire-safety duties can apply to HMOs.
Right to Rent checks: England only
Check every occupier aged 18 or over who will use the property as their only or main home. For an unlimited right to rent, complete the check before entering into the tenancy agreement. A time-limited check must normally be completed no earlier than 28 days before the tenancy start; limited exceptions apply where an occupier is overseas.
Use the correct manual, Home Office online or Right to Rent digital verification provider route. The Landlord Checking Service is available in specified circumstances. Keep a dated record and diarise every time-limited follow-up separately.
Renters’ Rights Act: changes already in force
From 1 May 2026, the main tenancy reforms took effect for most private assured tenancies in England. Section 21 notices can no longer be used, most tenancies are assured periodic tenancies, rent increases are limited to once a year using the statutory process, and landlords must follow the new rules on advertising rent and considering requests to keep pets.
For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide the required written information about key tenancy terms. Most landlords and agents had to give the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet to tenants with pre-1 May written agreements by 31 May 2026. Check GOV.UK for the limited situations where it still needs to be provided after that date.
Local licensing and property-specific duties
This national checklist is not the whole picture. Your council may operate selective or additional licensing, and mandatory HMO licensing can apply to certain shared homes. Planning, building safety, fire safety and repair duties can also depend on the property.
Check the council where each property is located and keep a separate record for every address. A calendar of certificate expiries, tenancy dates and licence renewals makes it much easier to spot a gap before it becomes a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Every 12 months for supplied gas appliances and flues. Existing tenants should receive the record within 28 days and new tenants before they move in.
At least every five years, or sooner if the most recent report requires an earlier inspection.
The current minimum is normally E unless a valid exemption applies. Subject to legislation, the government intends all tenancies in scope to meet the higher standard by 1 October 2030, using the new metrics or an applicable transitional route or exemption.
The main tenancy reforms applied to most private assured tenancies from 1 May 2026. Some information-sheet and written-information duties depended on the tenancy date and whether its terms were written.
Official sources
Further reading
Related tools and guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. We review time-sensitive claims against official sources; see our editorial policy. Always check GOV.UK or a professional for your situation.