Published 15 May 2026 by Prop-Pocket Team
What is landlord compliance? A plain-English guide to the certificates, checks and deadlines every UK landlord must manage to stay legal and avoid fines.
Landlord compliance explained
Landlord compliance refers to the legal obligations a private landlord must meet to rent out a property lawfully in the UK. These obligations cover property safety, tenancy administration, and — in some areas — licensing.
Failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000, inability to serve a valid Section 21 notice, rent repayment orders, or in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
Safety certificates
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) Required annually for every property with gas appliances. Must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants must receive a copy before moving in and within 28 days of each annual renewal.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Required at least every five years for most privately rented properties. Remedial work identified in the report must be completed within 28 days (or the deadline specified in the report, if sooner).
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Properties must have an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let. The certificate lasts ten years, but landlords should be aware of proposed changes that would require a C rating by 2030.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms At least one smoke alarm on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance. Since October 2022, CO alarms are also required in rooms with gas appliances.