Landlord compliance checklist for England, 2026

Last checked 16 Oct 2026. Rules change: check gov.uk before you act.

Short answer. A self-managing landlord in England in late 2026 needs, for each let property: an annual gas safety record given to tenants within 28 days; an EICR at least every 5 years; a smoke alarm on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms where there is a fixed combustion appliance; a deposit protected within 30 days; a valid EPC at band E or above or a registered exemption; and written tenancy information under the Renters' Rights Act. From 15 December 2026 the Private Rented Sector Database opens, first in the West Midlands, at £65 per property per year, with all landlords registered by 14 November 2027. Coming later: the Landlord Ombudsman, expected 2028; EPC C by 1 October 2030; and the Decent Homes Standard from 2035.

This is the master list. It covers what applies now and what is coming, with a link to the detailed guide for each item. Use it to audit one property at a time.

PlutoHome is a compliance tool and introducer, not a legal adviser. Rules marked as coming are not all final. Check gov.uk.

Required now, for every let property

Item	Rule	Guide
Gas safety record	Every 12 months. Copy to existing tenants within 28 days, new tenants before move-in. Keep 2 years.	Gas safety
EICR	At least every 5 years. Copy to tenants within 28 days. Remedial work within 28 days.	EICRs
Smoke alarms	One on every storey with living accommodation. Check on day one.	Alarms
CO alarms	In living rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.	Alarms
Deposit	Protect within 30 days and give prescribed information within 30 days.	See below
EPC	Valid EPC when marketing. Band E or above, or a registered exemption.	EPC C by 2030
Tenancy information	Written terms for new tenancies. Information sheet for existing tenancies, due by 31 May 2026.	Renters' Rights Act
Licensing	HMO, additional or selective licence if your council requires one.	Check your council

Deposits

If you take a deposit you must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and give the tenant the prescribed information within 30 days. If you do not, a court can order you to pay the tenant 1 to 3 times the deposit. Possession can also be restricted while a deposit is unprotected. You cannot take more than 1 month's rent in advance.

Renters' Rights Act, in force since 1 May 2026

No section 21. Possession needs a section 8 ground.
All tenancies are assured periodic tenancies.
Rent rises once a year by section 13 notice with at least 2 months' notice.
No rental bidding. No more than 1 month's rent in advance.
Respond to pet requests within 28 days.
No discrimination against tenants with children or on benefits.

Private Rented Sector Database, from 15 December 2026

West Midlands: 15 December 2026 to 14 March 2027. Other regions follow monthly.
All landlords actively letting registered by 14 November 2027.
Fee: £65 per property per year.
Have ready: your details, property and tenancy details, rent, gas record, EICR, EPC and any MEES exemption.
Penalties up to £7,000, or £40,000 for offences. Most possession orders blocked while in breach.

See the database guide and West Midlands registration.

Coming next

Change	When	Guide
Reformed EPCs (Home Energy Model)	Second half of 2027	EPC reform
PRS Landlord Ombudsman	Mandatory membership expected 2028	Ombudsman
EPC C equivalent for all rentals	1 October 2030	EPC C by 2030
£10,000 cost cap	With the 2030 standard. Spend since 1 October 2025 counts.	The cost cap
Decent Homes Standard	Enforceable from 2035	Renters' Rights Act
Awaab's Law for private rentals	To be confirmed after consultation	Renters' Rights Act

A simple annual routine

Monthly: check which certificates expire in the next 90 days and book renewals.
At each new tenancy: give the gas record, EICR, EPC and How to Rent guidance; check alarms on day one; protect the deposit within 30 days.
Annually: renew database registration and pay the fee; review rent with a section 13 notice if needed.
Each year to 2030: move at least some D and E properties towards C, starting with the cheapest measures. See the cheapest route.
Always: keep invoices and records in one place.

Seeing the whole portfolio

With 5 to 50 properties, the risk is not one big failure. It is one date missed among hundreds. A single view of every property, its certificates, its EPC score, its gap to C and its database status is the most useful tool you can have. That is what PlutoHome is built to provide.

Questions

What certificates does a landlord need in England?

An annual gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR at least every 5 years, and a valid EPC when marketing. You also need working smoke and, where required, carbon monoxide alarms.

What is new for landlords in 2026?

The Renters' Rights Act tenancy reforms from 1 May 2026, and the Private Rented Sector Database from 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands.

How much will the database cost?

£65 per property per year.

When must my rentals reach EPC C?

1 October 2030, for all tenancies in scope. This is confirmed policy, with legislation expected in 2027.

When does the ombudsman start?

Mandatory landlord membership is expected in 2028.

How long do I have to protect a deposit?

30 days, and the prescribed information must also be given within 30 days.

Does PlutoHome give legal advice?

No. PlutoHome is a compliance tool and introducer. For legal questions speak to a solicitor or a landlord association.