UK Landlord Compliance Guide 2026

Every gas appliance, flue and pipework in a rented property must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in.

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 — GOV.UK →

Landlords in England must have the fixed electrical installations inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. A copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in.

Any C1, C2 or FI code must be remedied within 28 days (or sooner if stated).

Electrical safety standards in the PRS — GOV.UK →

A valid EPC (band E or above) is required before you can market or let a property. EPCs are valid for 10 years. The Government has consulted on raising the minimum required rating for the PRS to band C — check GOV.UK for the current position before relying on band E.

Domestic PRS minimum energy efficiency standard — GOV.UK →

At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Alarms must be tested to be in working order on the day a new tenancy begins, and repaired or replaced as soon as reasonably practicable when reported faulty.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations — GOV.UK →

Any deposit taken for an assured shorthold tenancy must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt, and the prescribed information given to the tenant within the same 30 days. Failing this can prevent you from serving certain possession notices and expose you to a penalty of up to three times the deposit.

Tenancy deposit protection — GOV.UK →

A mandatory HMO licence is required for properties let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households. Many councils also operate additional HMO or selective licensing schemes covering ordinary single-family lets — always check the specific local authority.

HMO licences — GOV.UK →

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 "no-fault" evictions and converts assured shorthold tenancies to periodic tenancies. Landlords must serve a prescribed Information Sheet on all tenants.

Information Sheet deadline: the duty to serve the sheet on existing tenants had a legal deadline of 31 May 2026. Failure to comply can attract a penalty of up to £7,000. If you haven't served yours, do it now and keep proof.

Renters' Rights Act — GOV.UK guide →