Letting out a property can be a fantastic source of income, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or looking to brush up on the latest rules, it’s essential to understand your legal obligations.

Failing to comply not only puts your tenants at risk, it can also lead to hefty fines and make it much harder to regain possession. This compliance checklist outlines everything landlords in England need to legally let a property, from safety certificates to deposit protection. It has been updated for the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May 2026.

Why Legal Compliance Matters

Letting a property isn’t just about finding a tenant and collecting rent. As a landlord, you are legally required to meet a range of health, safety, and financial regulations before, during, and after a tenancy.

Common issues landlords face when ignoring compliance:

• Possession claims failing because notices or paperwork were wrong
• Fines of up to £30,000 for missing certificates, licences or unsafe conditions
• Rent repayment orders and compensation claims
• Loss of rent due to avoidable disputes

A compliant property means a safer tenancy, fewer headaches, and better protection for both parties.

The Landlord Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist as a guide to make sure you’re meeting your legal duties before your tenant moves in.

1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Legal requirement: all rental properties must have a valid EPC with a minimum rating of E.

• EPCs are valid for 10 years
• You must provide a copy to tenants before the tenancy begins

Need to know more about pre-tenancy steps? Read: The Complete Letting Process Explained: From Valuation to Move-In

2. Gas Safety Certificate

Legal requirement: an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer is mandatory.

• A copy of the certificate must be given to tenants before they move in
• It must be renewed every 12 months
• Applies to all properties with gas appliances or supply

3. Electrical Safety Report (EICR)

Legal requirement: landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person.

• Must be carried out at least every 5 years
• Any remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so
• Tenants must receive a copy of the report

4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Legal requirement:

• At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
• A carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner (gas cookers excluded)
• Alarms must be checked on the first day of the tenancy, and repaired or replaced once reported faulty

5. Right to Rent Check

Legal requirement: you must check that all adult occupiers have the right to rent in England.

• Check original documents or use the Home Office online service
• Keep a record of every check
• Failing to do this can result in a civil penalty of up to £20,000 per occupier for repeat breaches

6. Tenancy Deposit Protection

Legal requirement: if you take a deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.

• Schemes: DPS, mydeposits, or TDS
• You must also give tenants the Prescribed Information, including details of the scheme used

An unprotected deposit can lead to a penalty of up to three times the deposit and will undermine any possession claim.

7. Written Terms and the Government Information Sheet

Legal requirement: since 1 May 2026, new tenancies are periodic assured tenancies, and tenants must receive a written statement of terms before the agreement is signed. The government’s Renters’ Rights Act information sheet has replaced the old How to Rent guide.

• Provide it as a printed copy or PDF
• Existing tenants should already have received it, by 31 May 2026

For a full rundown of the changes, read The Renters’ Rights Act: What Coventry Landlords Need to Know.

8. Legionella Risk Assessment

Legal duty: landlords must assess and control the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems.

• Applies to all rented properties
• A simple risk assessment often suffices for most residential homes
• Records should be kept

9. Licences (If Applicable)

Some councils require HMO licences or selective licensing for rented properties.

• Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households
• Additional and selective licensing: varies by local authority
• Fines for unlicensed properties can reach £30,000

Coventry runs an additional HMO licensing scheme. Our Coventry HMO licensing guide explains it, and our HMO management service can handle it for you.

10. Insurance

Recommended (not mandatory):

• Landlord insurance to cover buildings, legal expenses, and loss of rent
• Contents insurance if you’re renting a furnished property

During the Tenancy: Ongoing Legal Duties

Your legal obligations don’t stop once the tenant moves in. Here are the key responsibilities to stay on top of:

Regular Checks

• Annual gas safety checks
• Five-year EICR renewal
• Maintain safe living conditions (repairs, damp and mould, etc.)

Rent, Notices and Paperwork

• Rent can only be increased once a year, using a Section 13 notice with at least two months’ notice
• Section 21 has been abolished, so possession now needs a Section 8 notice on a valid ground
• Respond to written pet requests within 28 days and do not refuse unreasonably
• Keep copies of all communication and documentation

Property Access

• Give at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting the property
• Respect your tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment

Non-Compliance Risks: What’s at Stake?

Letting a property without following legal requirements can result in:

• Fines of up to £30,000
• Failed possession claims
• Compensation claims from tenants
• Rent repayment orders
• Criminal prosecution in severe cases

Even a missed certificate or incorrect notice can turn into a costly mistake.

Why Letting Agents Help with Compliance

Managing all these regulations can be overwhelming, especially for first-time landlords. Letting agents stay up to date with the latest rules and make sure nothing is missed.

Here’s how we help:

• Keep your documents in order and track renewal dates
• Make sure your tenancy terms meet the new rules
• Handle referencing, Right to Rent checks and deposit protection
• Serve rent increase and other notices correctly

With our fully managed lettings service, we take care of compliance for the whole tenancy. If you’d rather manage day to day yourself, our tenant find service gets the tenancy set up correctly from the start.

Final Thoughts: Stay Legal, Stay Protected

Letting legally isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting your investment and your tenant’s wellbeing. This checklist gives you a clear picture of your obligations, but regulations change, and small errors can lead to big issues.

If you’re unsure or want to avoid the risks altogether, speak to our team in Earlsdon. We let and manage properties across Coventry, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Nuneaton. Contact us today to make sure your property is fully compliant and ready to let.

This checklist is a general guide for landlords in England and is not legal advice.