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 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.
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.
Deposit protection: Security deposits must be registered with a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt, and the prescribed information must be served on the tenant.
Right to Rent checks: Landlords must check that all tenants have the right to rent in the UK before the tenancy begins.
How-To-Rent guide: The current version of the government's How-To-Rent guide must be provided to tenants at the start of every tenancy.
Properties rented to five or more people from two or more households (a mandatory HMO) must be licensed. Many local authorities also operate selective or additional licensing schemes that apply to smaller properties or specific areas.
Compliance is not just about having the certificates — it is about being able to prove you have them. Keep digital copies of every certificate, tenancy document, and correspondence, organised by property.
Prop-Pocket monitors every compliance deadline, stores your certificates, and sends reminders so nothing slips through. Free for your first property.
Join thousands of UK landlords using Prop-Pocket to track certificates, manage repairs and stay compliant — for free.
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