-
14/7/25 8:13 pm
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Staying compliant as a landlord: What’s legally required vs. best practice
With several senior politicians recently splashed across the press as they were found to have breached letting rules, now is the perfect time to revisit what landlords must do to remain compliant - and what good practice looks like beyond the legal minimum.
Letting a property is complex. There are over 180 laws and 400 regulations governing landlords, and the rules are constantly evolving, especially with the Renters’ Rights Act. Mistakes are common, even among experienced landlords.
Unlike sales, the lettings industry isn’t yet regulated - something the government is reviewing in its current consultation on property agent regulation, a change many believe is long overdue.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s required by law and what’s simply good practice.
What you must do by law
1. Check licensing requirements
Confirm whether your property needs a mandatory, additional, or selective licence from your local authority. Letting without one can result in unlimited fines or rent repayment orders.
2. Obtain lender or freeholder consent
If your property is mortgaged or leasehold, secure written consent before letting. Failure to do so can breach conditions and invalidate insurance.
3. Meet all safety standards
• A valid Gas Safety Certificate (renewed annually)
• An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years
• Working smoke alarms on every floor and CO alarms where required
• Evidence that the property is safe, habitable, and well maintained
4. Provide a valid EPC
All rental properties must have an EPC rated E or above, issued within the past 10 years, and shared with tenants at the start of the tenancy.
5. Protect the tenant’s deposit
Register the deposit with a Government-approved scheme within 30 days and issue the prescribed information.
6. Check tenants’ Right to Rent
Verify each adult occupier’s immigration status and keep a dated record of the checks.
7. Provide correct tenancy documentation
Supply:
• A compliant tenancy agreement
• The latest How to Rent guide
• Gas safety and EPC certificates
• Deposit protection details
8. Comply with the Tenant Fees Act 2019
Only charge permitted fees, such as rent, refundable deposits, or agreed early termination costs.
9. Maintain and repair the property
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure, exterior, plumbing, heating, and sanitation systems in good repair.
10. Follow correct eviction procedures
Ensure full compliance before serving a Section 21 or 8 notice. The Renters’ Rights Act - now law but not yet in force - will remove ‘no-fault’ evictions and introduce new Section 8 grounds, so keep updated as these changes roll out.
11. Declare income and pay tax
Report rental income to HMRC and, where required, use Making Tax Digital software for quarterly submissions.
Good practice: Going beyond compliance
1. Inspect regularly
Check the property every 3–6 months to spot maintenance issues early and record the condition.
2. Complete a Legionella risk assessment
Recommended by the HSE to identify risks in water systems, even for smaller properties.
3. Create a detailed inventory
A signed move-in/move-out inventory helps prevent deposit disputes.
4. Thoroughly reference tenants
Go beyond Right to Rent checks - verify employment, income, and rental history.
5. Keep accurate and secure records
Comply with GDPR by storing and disposing of tenant data responsibly.
6. Review insurance annually
Maintain comprehensive landlord insurance covering buildings, liability, and rent loss.
7. Stay informed on new legislation
Monitor updates on the Renters’ Rights Act, EPC targets, and the Decent Homes Standard. Schedule an annual compliance review.
8. Build strong tenant relationships
Good communication and timely responses reduce turnover and legal risk.
9. Work with a regulated letting agent
Choose agents who are members of a redress and client money protection scheme.
10. Review compliance at renewal or re-let
Each time a tenancy changes, check that all certificates, licences, and documents are up to date.
Get a free Renters’ Rights Health Check
For peace of mind, book a free Health Check with Leaders. Our lettings experts will review your licences, safety certificates, and tenancy documents to help ensure your property is fully compliant and protected.
Tags:
.png)
Comments