Annual landlord compliance checklist for England (2026)

What safety checks does a landlord need every year in England?

A gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer is needed every 12 months where there are gas appliances, and the tenant should get a copy. Electrical installations need an inspection (EICR) at least every five years. Smoke alarms are needed on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, checked at the start of each tenancy.

Which documents must a tenant receive at the start of a tenancy?

• The current gas safety record and electrical safety report.
• A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• The government information sheet for tenants required under the Renters' Rights Act (replacing the How to Rent guide for new tenancies).
• Deposit protection details, if a deposit was taken.

Keep a note of the date and method you gave each one — this is often what gets asked for later.

How long do landlords have to protect a deposit?

A deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and the tenant must be given the prescribed information. Record the scheme reference alongside the date.

Do landlords need a written statement of terms?

Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords give tenants a written statement of the tenancy terms at the start of the tenancy, alongside the Renters' Rights information sheet. Record the date and how each was served.

What other checks should landlords keep on file?

Right to Rent checks before a tenancy starts (repeated if the right is time-limited), a legionella risk assessment, an active landlord insurance policy and any local licensing (HMO or selective licensing) all belong in the same yearly record. A pre-winter damp and mould inspection with dated photos is also good practice.

Upcoming regulations

National PRS Database registration (rolling out late 2026/2027) and Landlord Ombudsman membership (2028) will become mandatory soon. RentMint will automatically track these updates for you as they go live at rentmint.co.uk.

How should landlords record visits and repairs?

Give at least 24 hours' written notice for routine visits, and log missed access attempts as well as completed ones. Keep repair reports, replies and completion dates in one timeline so you and your tenant are looking at the same facts.

Rules change — including under the Renters' Rights Act — so check the official guidance below. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Never miss a compliance deadline

Never miss a compliance deadline or risk fines. Set up automated compliance reminders and store digital certificates at rentmint.co.uk.