The landlord compliance checklist for England
A single checklist of the certificates, checks and deadlines landlords in England need to track, with how often each is due.
By Paul Ashley, Founder of LET NEXUS and landlord since 2015
Last reviewed · 5 min read
Every rental property comes with a set of recurring checks and one-off duties. Here's an at-a-glance list for landlords in England, with links to our detailed guides.
Recurring certificates and checks
- Gas safety check: every 12 months, where there are gas appliances.
- EICR electrical safety report: at least every 5 years.
- EPC: valid for 10 years, with a minimum rating of E.
- Smoke and CO alarms: checked on the first day of every tenancy.
- Property licence (HMO, additional or selective): usually up to 5 years, where required.
- Landlord insurance: usually renewed every year.
At the start of each tenancy
- Right to Rent checks for every adult occupier.
- Deposit protected, and prescribed information given, within 30 days.
- Copies of the gas safety record, EICR and EPC given to tenants.
- The written tenancy information the law requires for new tenancies.
- A move-in inspection with dated photos.
Throughout the tenancy
- Repairs dealt with within a reasonable time, and emergencies straight away.
- Regular inspections with at least 24 hours' written notice.
- Rent increases no more than once a year, using the section 13 process.
- Registration on the Private Rented Sector Database once it's live.
Your checklist
- Record every certificate's expiry date in one place
- Set reminders at least 30 days before each deadline
- Keep copies of everything given to tenants, with dates
- Review your checklist whenever the rules change
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist complete for every property?
It covers the main requirements for typical lets in England. HMOs, holiday lets, leasehold flats and properties in Wales or Scotland can have extra or different rules.
Official guidance
This guide is general information for landlords in England and isn’t legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and can change. Always check the official guidance or take professional advice for your situation.
Related guides
Gas Safety Certificates: what landlords need to do
Annual gas safety checks, the landlord gas safety record, when to give tenants a copy and how long to keep records. A plain-English guide for landlords in England.
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