For landlords · 8 min read
Landlord compliance in England: the complete checklist
Private landlords in England must: protect the deposit in a government scheme within 30 days and serve prescribed information; check every adult occupier's Right to Rent before the tenancy; hold an EPC of band E or better; obtain an annual gas safety record and a five-yearly EICR; fit smoke alarms on every storey and CO alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances; and give tenants the current How to Rent guide. Missing these carries fines up to £30,000 per breach and can block possession under Section 21.
Frequently asked questions
What certificates does a landlord legally need in England?
An EPC (band E minimum unless exempt), an annual gas safety record if the property has gas, and an EICR renewed at least every five years. Smoke alarms are required on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances.
How quickly must a deposit be protected?
Within 30 days of receipt, in a government-approved scheme, with the prescribed information served on the tenant in the same 30 days. The cap is five weeks' rent for annual rents under £50,000.
What happens if I miss a compliance requirement?
Consequences range from fines (up to £30,000 for EICR breaches, unlimited for some gas offences, 1–3× the deposit for protection failures) to losing the ability to serve a valid Section 21 notice — meaning you cannot regain possession through the no-fault route until the breach is remedied.
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