LANDLORD LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
The information below summarises some of the principal legal obligations affecting landlords in England. Requirements can vary according to the property, tenancy and local licensing arrangements.
🔹 Deposit Protection
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt.
The tenant and any relevant person must also be given the required prescribed information within the same 30-day period.
🔹 Right to Rent Checks
A valid Right to Rent check must be completed for every adult who will occupy the property as their only or main home before the tenancy begins.
Checks must be carried out using an approved Home Office online service or the prescribed document-checking process. Evidence of the completed check must be retained.
Follow-up checks may be required where an occupier has a time-limited right to rent.
🔹 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Most rental properties must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate with a minimum rating of E, unless a valid exemption applies.
A valid copy must be given to the tenant free of charge before the tenancy begins.
🔹 Gas Safety
Where a property has relevant gas appliances, flues or pipework, a gas safety check must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least every 12 months.
A copy of the valid Gas Safety Record must be provided to a new tenant before they occupy the property. Existing tenants must be given a copy within 28 days of each annual check.
🔹 Electrical Safety
The electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a suitably qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the electrical report specifies an earlier date.
A copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report must be given to a new tenant before they occupy the property. Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
Where the report identifies remedial or further investigative work, this must be completed within 28 days or within any shorter period specified in the report.
🔹 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Landlords must ensure that:
- At least one smoke alarm is installed on every storey containing a room used as living accommodation
- A carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers
- All required alarms are tested and confirmed as working on the day a new tenancy begins
- Faulty alarms are repaired or replaced once the landlord or agent has been informed that they are not working
The property may require additional alarms or fire-safety measures depending on its layout, use and any applicable licensing conditions.
🔹 Written Tenancy Information
For new assured periodic tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide the tenant with the prescribed written information about the key terms of the tenancy before the tenancy agreement is signed or otherwise agreed.
This information may be included within the written tenancy agreement or provided separately.
The former How to Rent guide is no longer part of the requirements for new assured periodic tenancies.
🔹 Information and Documents for Tenants
Depending on the property and tenancy, the tenant must be provided with the relevant documents, which may include:
- The written tenancy agreement and prescribed tenancy information
- Deposit protection certificate and prescribed information
- Valid Energy Performance Certificate
- Valid Gas Safety Record, where applicable
- Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Details of the landlord or agent and the arrangements for reporting repairs
- Any other property-specific safety, licensing or statutory information
🔹 Repairs and Maintenance
Landlords are responsible for keeping rented homes safe, fit for human habitation and in a reasonable state of repair.
This includes responsibility for:
- The structure and exterior of the property
- Heating and hot-water installations
- Water, sanitation and drainage
- Electrical wiring and fixed installations
- Gas installations and appliances supplied by the landlord
- Addressing hazards, damp, mould and other property safety issues
- Completing repairs within an appropriate timescale, taking account of the seriousness and urgency of the problem
Not sure which requirements apply to your property?
Our Full Management service helps landlords manage their ongoing legal, safety and administrative responsibilities – with clear advice and no cut corners.
📞 Have questions? Call us on 020 8304 0997
📧 Or email: property@tracythorne-estates.co.uk