The Complete Landlord Compliance Checklist for 2026
UK landlord regulations have never been more demanding. Between the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, tightening EPC requirements, and increased local authority enforcement, staying compliant is a year-round job. This checklist covers every certificate and legal obligation you need to be aware of.
1. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
Gas Safety Regulations 1998, Reg 36
Annual (every 12 months)
Unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment
- Applies to all rental properties with gas appliances (boilers, cookers, fires).
- Must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- A copy must be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, or to new tenants before they move in.
- You must keep records of each safety check for 2 years.
- The check covers all gas pipework, appliances, and flues installed in the property.
The gas safety certificate is the single most important compliance document for UK landlords. Missing or late renewals are the most common reason for prosecution. Set a reminder at least 60 days before the expiry date to give yourself time to book an engineer.
2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
SI 2020/312
Every 5 years
Up to £30,000 civil penalty
- Mandatory for all private rented properties in England since 1 April 2021.
- Must be carried out by a qualified electrician (Part P registered or equivalent).
- Any Category 1 (C1) or Category 2 (C2) defects must be repaired within 28 days.
- A copy must be given to tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
- You must supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested.
Wales does not have an equivalent standalone EICR regulation, but electrical safety is covered under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 as part of the Fitness for Human Habitation standard. Landlords in Wales should still obtain regular EICRs as evidence of compliance.
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3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
Valid for 10 years
Up to £5,000 per property
- All rental properties must have a valid EPC before being marketed to tenants.
- The minimum rating is currently E for England and Wales.
- You cannot let a property with an F or G rating unless you have a valid exemption.
- Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and last 5 years.
- Future proposals may raise the minimum to C, though timelines remain uncertain.
EPCs are valid for 10 years, so they are easy to forget about. Check your EPC expiry date and factor in time for improvements if your property is near the minimum threshold. Read our detailed EPC guide for more on costs and exemptions.
4. Fire Risk Assessment
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Fire Safety Order 2005
Reviewed annually (no fixed legal cycle)
Unlimited fine and/or imprisonment
- Legally required for HMOs and properties with common areas (shared hallways, stairwells).
- Strongly recommended for all rental properties as a duty of care.
- Must be carried out by a competent person (often a BAFE-registered assessor).
- Should include smoke alarms on every floor, carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances, and fire escape routes.
- The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require alarms to be tested at the start of each new tenancy.
5. Legionella Risk Assessment
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
HSE ACOP L8 / HSG274
Every 2 years (recommended)
Unlimited fine (HSE enforcement)
- All landlords have a legal duty to assess the risk of legionella in their water systems.
- This applies to all rental properties, not just large buildings.
- A simple assessment for most residential properties costs £50-£150.
- Risk factors include water stored below 60°C, dead legs in pipework, and infrequently used outlets.
- You should flush through rarely used water outlets and ensure the boiler is set to at least 60°C.
6. HMO Licensing
Housing Act 2004
Housing Act 2004, Part 2
Licence valid for up to 5 years
Unlimited fine + rent repayment order (up to 12 months)
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with 5+ tenants forming 2+ households.
- Many councils also operate Additional and Selective licensing schemes for smaller HMOs.
- You must check with your local authority whether your property needs a licence.
- Licence conditions typically require gas safety, EICR, fire risk assessment, and minimum room sizes.
- Operating without a licence is a criminal offence. Tenants can also claim back up to 12 months of rent.
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act increases civil penalty limits for HMO offences. Overcrowding penalties rise to £40,000, and management regulation breaches attract separate fines for each breach and each offence.
Track all of this automatically
CompliLet monitors every certificate deadline across your portfolio and sends reminders at 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before expiry. Free for your first property.
7. Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the most significant change to private renting legislation in decades. Key provisions for landlords include:
Abolition of Section 21
No-fault evictions are being removed. Landlords must use specific grounds under Section 8 to regain possession.
Decent Homes Standard
The social housing Decent Homes Standard will be extended to private rented properties, setting minimum quality thresholds.
Landlord Ombudsman
All private landlords will be required to join a government-approved ombudsman scheme for dispute resolution.
Property Portal
A new digital Property Portal will require landlords to register properties and demonstrate compliance.
Pet-friendly tenancies
Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse tenants' requests to keep pets. They can require pet damage insurance.
Increased penalties
From May 2026, maximum civil penalties for certain housing offences increase significantly.
8. Other Requirements
Right to Rent checks
You must verify that tenants have the legal right to rent in England before the tenancy starts. This applies to all new tenancies and requires checking original identity documents. Failure to check can result in a civil penalty of up to £3,000 per tenant. Note: Right to Rent does not apply in Wales or Scotland.
Tenant deposit protection
Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. You must provide the tenant with prescribed information about the scheme. Failure to protect a deposit can result in a penalty of 1-3x the deposit amount and prevents you from using a Section 21 notice (while Section 21 still exists).
How to Rent guide
You must provide tenants in England with the latest version of the government’s “How to Rent” checklist at the start of each new tenancy. Failure to do so currently prevents you from serving a Section 21 notice.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
While not strictly a legal requirement for landlords, PAT testing of electrical appliances you provide (kettles, toasters, washing machines) is strongly recommended. It demonstrates compliance with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and protects you from liability if an appliance causes injury.
Quick reference table
| Certificate | Renewal | Max penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety (CP12) | Annual | Unlimited fine |
| EICR | 5 years | £30,000 |
| EPC | 10 years | £5,000 |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Annual review | Unlimited fine |
| Legionella | 2 years | Unlimited fine |
| HMO Licence | 5 years | Unlimited fine + rent repayment |
Track all of this automatically
CompliLet monitors every certificate deadline across your portfolio and sends reminders at 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before expiry. Free for your first property.