Landlord Compliance Checklist UK Under the Renters’ Rights Act

Landlord compliance checklist

UK landlords should implement the following actions, if they have not already done so, to make sure they remain compliant with the obligations introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Tenant information and tenancy documents

• Update tenancy agreements to reflect the Renters’ Rights Act changes, including periodic tenancy rules, tenant notice periods, rent increase procedures, possession grounds and tenant rights relating to pets.

• Remove outdated fixed-term clauses and references to Section 21 notices from tenancy documents.

• Provide the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet to all new tenants at the start of the tenancy.

• Issue updated written terms to existing tenants whose agreements converted under the new rules.

• Continue providing the latest version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide where required.

Private rented sector database

• Prepare to register yourself and each rental property on the Private Rented Sector Database once registration becomes mandatory.

• Keep property details, ownership records and contact information accurate and up to date.

• Upload or retain compliance documents including EPCs, gas safety certificates, EICRs and deposit protection information.

• Monitor registration deadlines and renewal requirements to avoid enforcement action.

Landlord ombudsman and redress requirements

• Prepare for mandatory membership of the landlord ombudsman scheme.

• Introduce or review internal complaints procedures so tenants have a formal route to raise issues.

• Keep detailed records of complaints, repairs, inspections and tenant communications.

• Review response times for maintenance issues and complaint handling to reduce the risk of escalation.

Property standards and repairs

• Review each property against the Decent Homes Standard requirements.

• Inspect for hazards including damp, mould, excess cold, unsafe electrics, structural defects and ventilation issues.

• Create a process for logging repair reports and tracking contractor attendance.

• Keep evidence of inspections, completed repairs and maintenance schedules.

• Respond promptly to emergency issues affecting health or safety.

Pets and tenant requests

• Update tenancy agreements and internal policies to reflect the new rules around pets in rented properties.

• Create a process for responding to pet requests within a reasonable timeframe.

• Make sure refusals are based on reasonable grounds and properly documented.

• Consider reviewing landlord insurance policies where pets are permitted.

Rent increases and tenancy management

• Remove rent review clauses that no longer comply with the updated legislation.

• Use the Section 13 process for any future rent increases.

• Limit rent increases to once within a 12-month period.

• Provide tenants with the correct notice period before an increase takes effect.

• Review rent levels against current market rates before issuing notices.

• Avoid rental bidding practices and do not accept offers above the advertised rent.

Possession and eviction rules

• Remove reliance on Section 21 processes from landlord procedures and template documents.

• Review the updated Section 8 grounds for possession, including selling, moving in and rent arrears grounds.

• Use the correct notice forms and notice periods before starting possession proceedings.

• Keep compliance documents up to date, as missing paperwork may invalidate a possession claim.

• Maintain clear records of rent arrears, complaints and tenancy breaches where possession may later be required.

Gas, electrical and fire safety

• Arrange annual gas safety inspections through a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• Provide tenants with valid gas safety certificates within the legal timeframe.

• Obtain an EICR at least every five years or sooner where required.

• Complete remedial electrical works within the deadlines specified in the report.

• Install smoke alarms on every habitable floor and carbon monoxide alarms where legally required.

• Test alarms at the start of each tenancy and record the results.

Energy efficiency and property records

• Maintain a valid EPC with at least an E rating before marketing or letting a property.

• Provide prospective tenants with access to the EPC before the tenancy begins.

• Monitor potential future EPC changes as minimum efficiency standards may increase.

• Keep all compliance certificates and maintenance records organised and accessible.

Equality and discrimination rules

• Remove blanket bans against tenants with children or tenants receiving benefits.

• Review property adverts, application forms and tenant screening processes for compliance.

• Train staff or managing agents on fair and lawful tenant selection practices.

• Assess applicants individually using affordability, references and other legitimate criteria.

Right to Rent and deposit protection

• Carry out Right to Rent checks before the tenancy starts and retain copies of the documents checked.

• Follow up on time-limited immigration permissions where required.

• Protect tenancy deposits within 30 days using a government-approved scheme.

• Provide prescribed deposit information to tenants within the legal timeframe.

• Retain evidence confirming the deposit was protected correctly.

HMO and licensing requirements

• Check whether the property requires a mandatory HMO licence or falls within an additional licensing scheme.

• Review room sizes, occupancy limits and shared facilities to confirm compliance.

• Maintain suitable fire safety measures including alarms, fire doors and escape routes.

• Arrange regular inspections of communal areas and shared facilities.

• Keep licensing documents and inspection reports up to date.

Health and safety obligations

• Carry out Legionella risk assessments where appropriate.

• Inspect water systems for unused pipework, stagnant water risks and temperature control issues.

• Flush systems after extended void periods before a new tenancy starts.

• Provide tenants with guidance on maintaining ventilation and reporting hazards.

• Keep written records of assessments, inspections and maintenance work.

Consequences of non-compliance in 2026

The enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Act is more rigorous than previous legislation. Local councils and the PRS Landlord Ombudsman have substantial powers to penalise landlords who fail to follow the new rules.

Potential consequences include:

• Civil penalty: fines of up to £40,000 for failing to register on the database or join the ombudsman.

• Rent repayment orders: landlords can be forced to repay up to 12 months of rental income to tenants or the local authority.

• Loss of possession rights: if a landlord fails to provide the required EPC, gas safety certificate, or information sheet, they cannot legally serve notice to regain possession.

• Criminal prosecution: serious or repeat offences can lead to unlimited fines or imprisonment.

These risks highlight the importance of preparing for May 2026 well in advance. Minor administrative errors can have severe financial and legal implications.

How AST Assistance can help

The legal landscape for landlords in England and Wales is becoming increasingly complex. Navigating the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act requires precision and a deep understanding of the new legal framework. Failure to comply with the 2026 changes can lead to the loss of your right to regain possession of your property and the risk of substantial financial penalties.

AST Assistance provides expert guidance to help landlords maintain full compliance and protect their investments. We specialise in the practical application of the Housing Act and the new reforms introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. Our team offers support in managing the transition from fixed term to periodic tenancies and ensures that all mandatory documentation is correctly issued.

We offer professional services in several key areas:

• Drafting and reviewing the new written tenancy agreement and written statement of terms.

• Serving valid notices for possession under the updated Section 8 grounds including 1 and 1A.

• Representing landlords in mediation and disputes before the PRS Landlord Ombudsman.

• Conducting compliance audits to ensure safety certificates and database registrations are up to date.

• Advising on the Section 13 process for rent increases to avoid tribunal challenges.

The risks associated with non-compliance are too great to ignore. AST Assistance provides the objective, fact-led support needed to manage these legislative changes effectively on how landlords can comply with the renters' rights act.

To discuss your compliance needs or for expert advice on a specific tenancy issue, contact AST Assistance by calling 01706 619 954, emailing info@ast-assistance.com, or filling in our online form