Free tool · England
Landlord compliance checklist for England
Tick off what you’ve done for a new or existing tenancy. Your progress is saved on this device.
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Every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Give the tenant a copy of the record.
Compliance recordInspected and tested at least every 5 years. Give the tenant a copy of the report.
A valid EPC, given to new tenants. Lettings need a rating of E or above unless an exemption is registered.
A smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms where required. Check they work on the first day of each new tenancy.
In a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
Deposit cap calculatorWithin 30 days of receiving the deposit.
Deposit prescribed informationGive it before the tenancy is entered into.
Written statementCheck every adult occupier before the tenancy starts, and diarise follow-up checks for time-limited permission.
Check whether your council requires a selective, additional or mandatory HMO licence.
Licensing checkerRecord the condition of the property with dated photos, signed by the tenant.
Inventory template
Recurring safety checks at a glance
| Requirement | How often | What to give the tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Gas safety check (CP12) | Every 1 year | A copy of the gas safety record |
| Electrical safety report (EICR) | At least every 5 years | A copy of the report |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Valid for 10 years | A copy, for new tenants |
| Protect the tenancy deposit | Within 30 days of receiving it | The prescribed information |
Starting a new tenancy
- Before the tenancy: right to rent checks for every adult occupier, and the written statement of terms.
- On the first day: test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and record the property’s condition with an inventory and check-in report.
- Within 30 days: protect the deposit and give the prescribed information.
- Throughout: keep gas, electrical and EPC certificates in date. A compliance record gives the tenant a summary.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms where they are required. Check that they work on the first day of each new tenancy and keep a dated record, for example in your check-in report.
Right to rent checks
Check every adult who will live in the property before the tenancy starts. If someone has time-limited permission to be in the UK, diarise a follow-up check before it ends. Pro can remind you of the date.
Property licensing
Large houses in multiple occupation always need a mandatory licence. Some councils also require a licence for smaller HMOs (additional licensing) or for all privately rented homes in certain areas (selective licensing). Use the licensing checker to find your council, then confirm on the council’s own map.
Existing tenancies after 1 May 2026
Tenancies that already had a written agreement on 1 May 2026 needed the government’s Renters’ Rights Act information sheet by 31 May 2026. If you missed it, give it as soon as possible: our cover letter helps you record when you did. See the full Renters’ Rights Act checklist.
Never miss a renewal
Certificates expire on different cycles. LandlordForms Pro tracks gas safety, EICR, EPC and other dates for up to 10 properties and emails you 60, 30 and 7 days before each one. See Pro, or read our guide to safety certificate deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need a gas safety check?
Every 12 months, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Give the tenant a copy of the record.
How often is an EICR needed?
At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report recommends it. Give the tenant a copy of the report.
How long does an EPC last?
An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years. Lettings need a rating of E or above unless an exemption is registered.
When must the deposit be protected?
Within 30 days of receiving it, with the prescribed information given in the same period.
Do I need a licence to rent out my property?
Large HMOs always need a mandatory licence. Some councils also run selective or additional licensing schemes. Check with the licensing checker.
What do I give a new tenant now?
A written statement of terms before the tenancy is entered into, plus copies of the gas safety record, EICR and EPC. Our compliance pack bundles the documents.