Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026

Who it's for

• Private landlords in England, especially those managing their own lettings
• Landlords checking their processes after the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes
• Not for Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, which have different rules

What's included

• 1. Before you advertise and choose a tenant — rental bidding ban, children and benefits, EPC, licensing, holding deposit, fees, right to rent
• 2. Before the tenancy starts — written statement, periodic tenancy, rent in advance, deposit cap, gas, electrical, alarms, inventory, legionella
• 3. Within 30 days of taking a deposit — protection and prescribed information
• 4. During the tenancy — safety checks, repairs and fitness, pets, adaptations, rent increases, access, damp and mould
• 5. Coming up — PRS Database, Landlord Ombudsman, Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law
• 6. Ending a tenancy — Section 8 grounds, key notice periods, illegal eviction, check-out

Key points covered

• Written statement of terms required before a new tenancy is entered into (civil penalty up to £7,000)
• Deposit capped at five weeks' rent (six if annual rent is £50,000+); protect it and give prescribed information within 30 days
• Rent in advance limited to one month and only after signing
• Electrical safety report at least every five years; smoke and CO alarm duties with penalty levels noted
• Pet requests answered within 28 days; you cannot require pet insurance
• PRS Database registration phased by region from 15 December 2026 — check GOV.UK for your area
• Clear on what is not yet in force for private landlords (Awaab's Law timescales, Decent Homes Standard)

Read the guide

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