Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026: Mandatory Regulations for UK Rentals

UK landlord regulations have grown steadily every year for the past decade — and 2026 is no different. Miss a certificate deadline and you risk fines up to £30,000 per breach, invalidated insurance, and a rejected Section 21 in the event of a dispute. This checklist covers every certificate you legally need, when it renews, and what changed in 2026.

1. Gas Safety Record (CP12)

Every rented property containing at least one gas appliance requires a Gas Safety Record issued annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate must be given to the tenant within 28 days of inspection, and to new tenants before they move in.

• Frequency: Every 12 months, from the previous inspection date
• Cost: Typically £65–£95 per property
• Penalty: Up to 6 months in prison, unlimited fine
• Where to check: gassaferegister.co.uk

2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Since 2020 all rented properties in England require a satisfactory EICR every five years or on change of tenancy — whichever comes first. Any C1 or C2 codes must be remedied within 28 days.

• Frequency: Every 5 years or on change of tenancy
• Cost: £120–£250 depending on property size
• Penalty: Up to £30,000 fine
• Remedial deadline: 28 days from an unsatisfactory report

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

All rented properties in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of E or above. Government proposals for a minimum EPC rating of C for new tenancies from 2028 (and all existing tenancies from 2030) are progressing through parliament — landlords should factor this into upgrade planning now.

• Frequency: Every 10 years
• Cost: £60–£120
• Minimum rating: E (as of 2026)
• Coming soon: C minimum from 2028 for new tenancies (proposed)

4. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require a working smoke alarm on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Alarms must be tested at the start of every new tenancy.

5. Legionella Risk Assessment

Not a certificate as such but a legal duty. Landlords must complete a written legionella risk assessment for the water system and repeat it if the risk changes (e.g. property left empty for a long period, plumbing changes).

6. Right to Rent Checks

All landlords in England must verify tenants have the legal right to rent before granting a tenancy. Digital checks via the Home Office online service are now standard.

7. Deposit Protection

Any deposit taken must be registered with one of three government-backed schemes (DPS, MyDeposits, TDS) within 30 days, and the prescribed information given to the tenant. Failure invalidates any Section 21 you serve later.

What changed in 2026?

• Renters Reform Bill implementation continuing — abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions expected during 2026
• New pet-consent rules under the Renters Reform Bill (landlords must have good reason to refuse pets)
• Awaab's Law damp / mould response deadlines — 14 days to investigate serious damp reports
• Higher fines for HHSRS Category 1 hazards

The 12-month landlord calendar

The easiest way to stay compliant is to run a rolling 12-month reminder for every property. Every certificate has a renewal date; every renewal date needs an engineer booking 30 days before.

DecorFM offers a free renewal reminder service — email your certificate dates once and we will remind you 30 days before every renewal at zero cost. Details on our EICR and boiler pages.