Landlord Responsibilities Checklist
Protect your rental business from fines up to £40,000 and rent repayment orders. This comprehensive landlord responsibilities checklist ensures you meet every requirement from property setup to tenancy end.
- Complete Compliance Roadmap
- Covers All 15 Compliance Areas
- Updated for 1 May 2026 Changes
- Penalty Warnings Included
What's Inside the Landlord Responsibilities Checklist
A complete compliance framework covering every stage of the landlord lifecycle, from property preparation to tenancy termination.
- Before letting: Licensing (HMO/selective), property standards, safety checks
- Property preparation: Gas, electrical, EPC, smoke alarms
- Marketing requirements: Non-discrimination, rental bidding ban, accurate property descriptions
- Tenant selection: Referencing, right to rent checks
- Financial matters: Deposit caps, rent in advance limits
- Tenancy agreements: Written terms, mandatory documentation
- Ongoing responsibilities: Repairs, safety checks, inspections
- Rent increases: Section 13 procedures, tribunal processes
- Pet requests: Response timeframes, reasonable refusal grounds
- Tenant complaints: Handling procedures, ombudsman compliance
- Ending tenancy: Notice requirements, Section 8 grounds
- Deposit return: Inspection, deduction procedures, timelines
- Prohibited actions: Clear warnings on illegal practices
- Record keeping: Essential documents, retention periods
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES CHECKLIST
Renters' Rights Act 2025
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This checklist has been prepared with care in accordance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. However, this document is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in its preparation, no responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. Landlords should seek independent legal advice to ensure compliance with all legal obligations.
BEFORE LETTING A PROPERTY
1. REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP
☐ Register on the Private Rented Sector Database
- Register yourself as a landlord
- Register each property you intend to let
- Obtain unique identifier for landlord
- Obtain unique identifier for each property
- Keep registration active and up to date
- Deadline: Must be completed before marketing property
☐ Join an Approved Landlord Redress Scheme
- Select an approved ombudsman scheme
- Complete membership application
- Pay membership fee
- Display membership details to tenants
- Maintain active membership throughout tenancy
- Penalty for non-compliance: Up to £7,000 (initial) or £40,000 (repeat)
2. PROPERTY STANDARDS
☐ Ensure Property Meets Decent Homes Standard
- Property is free from serious hazards
- Property is in a reasonable state of repair
- Has reasonably modern facilities and services
- Provides reasonable thermal comfort
- Action: Commission inspection if unsure
☐ Gas Safety
- Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Obtain Gas Safety Certificate
- Provide copy to tenant within 28 days of check or before tenancy starts
- Keep records for at least 2 years
☐ Electrical Safety
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years
- Obtain EICR from qualified electrician
- Provide copy to tenant before tenancy starts
- Remedy any issues identified
☐ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Valid EPC in place (less than 10 years old)
- Minimum rating of E (unless exempt)
- Provide copy to tenant before tenancy starts
- Display rating in property advertisements
Non-Compliance Costs Landlords Thousands in Penalties
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces strict enforcement with substantial fines for landlords who fail to meet legal obligations. One missed requirement can trigger multiple penalties.
What's at Stake:
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The Financial Risk of Non-Compliance
£7,000 for initial breaches, £40,000 for serious or repeated violations
Up to 24 months of rent repayment orders
Criminal prosecution for harassment or illegal eviction
Loss of possession rights when mandatory documents not provided