Compliance Checklist
The following table sets out the principal legal requirements for residential landlords in England. It reflects the current legislative framework and includes obligations arising under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 where these are confirmed. Foster Row recommends reviewing this checklist before every new tenancy and whenever an existing tenancy is renewed.
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Obligation |
Key Detail |
Deadline / Frequency |
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Annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Certificate must be provided to tenants before move-in and within 28 days of each annual renewal. |
Annually |
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Full inspection by a qualified electrician. Report provided to tenants before tenancy begins and to the local authority on request. Remedial works completed within 28 days. |
Every 5 years |
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Rating of E or above currently required. Proposed increase to C rating for new tenancies anticipated in the coming years. Provided to all prospective tenants. |
Every 10 years |
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Working smoke alarm required on every floor of the property. Must be tested at the start of each tenancy. |
Each new tenancy |
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Required in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. Includes rooms with gas boilers, wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces. |
Each new tenancy |
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All soft furnishings provided with the property must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. |
Before each tenancy |
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Deposit must be registered with a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed information provided to tenant. |
Within 30 days of receipt |
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All adult occupants must provide evidence of their legal right to rent in England before the tenancy begins. Repeat checks required where a tenant’s right to remain is time-limited. |
Before tenancy begins |
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How to Rent Guide |
Current version of the Government’s How to Rent guide must be provided to tenants at the start of each tenancy. |
Each new tenancy |
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Legionella Risk Assessment |
Landlords are responsible for assessing and controlling the risk of legionella in the water supply. Formal assessment recommended and records retained. |
Periodically — at least every 2 years |
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Written consent required from mortgage lender, freeholder, residents’ management company or building management company where applicable. |
Before marketing |
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Standard home insurance does not cover residential lettings. A specific landlord policy covering buildings, contents where applicable and public liability must be in place. |
Continuously |
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Leasehold properties: ground rent and service charges must be paid in accordance with the lease. Under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, ground rent on new leases is restricted to a peppercorn. |
Per lease terms |
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Private Rented Sector Database Registration — RRA 2025 |
All landlords will be required to register their properties on a new national database before marketing or letting. Letting without a valid entry will be an offence. Expected from May 2026. |
Before marketing — from May 2026 |
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All residential landlords will be required to join a government-approved redress scheme. Financial penalties apply for non-compliance. Expected from May 2026. |
From May 2026 |
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Tenancy Structure Compliance — RRA 2025 |
Assured Shorthold Tenancies and fixed-term tenancies will be abolished. All new tenancies must be periodic from the outset, rolling monthly. Expected from May 2026. |
From May 2026 |
|
Rent Increase Procedure — RRA 2025 |
Rent may only be increased through the statutory Section 13 notice procedure. Contractual rent review clauses will no longer be effective. Expected from May 2026. |
From May 2026 |
This checklist is provided as a reference guide and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements change and landlords should ensure they are working from the most current version. Foster Row advises managed landlords on their compliance position as a standard component of our service.
