Landlord compliance checklist for 2026
Use this checklist before every new tenancy and once a year after that. It covers the legal requirements for most private rented homes in England.
Before the tenant moves in
- Licence: selective, additional or mandatory HMO licence if the council requires one
- Gas safety certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer, if there is gas
- Electrical Installation Condition Report, no more than five years old
- Energy Performance Certificate meeting the minimum rating
- Smoke alarm on every storey, carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance
- Right to Rent check for every adult occupier
- Tenancy agreement written for periodic tenancies under the Renters’ Rights Act
- Copies of the gas certificate and EPC given to the tenant, with any information the law requires
Within 30 days
- Deposit protected in a government-approved scheme
- Prescribed information served on the tenant
Every year
- Gas safety check, with the record given to the tenant within 28 days
- Alarms tested at the start of each tenancy and kept working
- Licence conditions reviewed and renewal dates noted
- Rent reviewed using the Section 13 procedure, if you plan an increase
Records to keep
Keep dated copies of every certificate, inspection, repair and message. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, possession claims depend on evidence.
Our licensing and compliance service tracks all of this for you.
Checked on 4 November 2026. See GOV.UK on deposit protection and HMO licensing.
