Keeping landlords compliant is one of the most valuable services a letting agent can provide. This checklist covers every legal requirement that UK landlords need to have in place in 2026, including the new obligations introduced by the Renters' Rights Act.
Renters' Rights Act requirements
From 31 May 2026: (1) Provide tenants with the government's official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet at the start of every tenancy. (2) Register all properties on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database before letting. (3) Use only periodic tenancy agreements — no more fixed-term ASTs. (4) Implement all rent increases via Section 13 notice — tenancy agreement rent review clauses are no longer valid. (5) Use the new Section 8 grounds for possession — Section 21 is abolished.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Every rental property must have a valid EPC with a rating of E or above (current minimum). EPCs are valid for 10 years. Agents should check the expiry date of every EPC in their portfolio and arrange renewals before expiry. Properties rated D or below should be flagged to landlords given the proposed tightening of minimum standards to C by 2028.
Gas Safety Certificate
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for every property with gas appliances. The certificate must be renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy must be provided to tenants at the start of the tenancy and within 28 days of each annual renewal. Failure to hold a valid Gas Safety Certificate is a criminal offence.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Landlords must have a valid EICR for every rental property. EICRs must be carried out by a qualified electrician and renewed at least every 5 years (or sooner if the report recommends it). A copy must be provided to tenants at the start of the tenancy. Any remedial work identified in the report must be completed within 28 days.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Landlords must install a working smoke alarm on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a solid fuel burning appliance (including gas boilers). Alarms must be tested at the start of every tenancy. Agents carrying out check-in inspections should include alarm testing as a standard item.
Deposit protection
All tenancy deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. The tenant must be provided with the Prescribed Information about the scheme within the same 30-day period. Failure to protect a deposit or provide the Prescribed Information can result in a penalty of up to 3x the deposit amount.
Right to Rent checks
Landlords (or their agents) must carry out Right to Rent checks on all adult occupants before the tenancy begins. Checks must verify that the occupant has the right to rent in England. Records of checks must be retained for the duration of the tenancy and for one year afterwards.
Manage compliance across your portfolio
Landlord Vision tracks compliance deadlines, certificate renewals, and tenancy documents in one place — so nothing falls through the cracks.