| Duty | When | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas safety check Annual check of every gas appliance and flue by a Gas Safe registered engineer; tenants get a copy of the record | Every 12 months | Homes with gas | Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 |
| Electrical safety (EICR) Fixed wiring inspected and tested by a qualified person; report given to tenants | At least every 5 years | All private lets | Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 |
| Energy rating (EPC) Minimum EPC E today. Rising to EPC C (or equivalent) for all tenancies from 1 October 2030, with a £10,000 cost cap and fines up to £30,000 | Now: E. From 1 Oct 2030: C | England and Wales | Government response, 21 January 2026 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms Smoke alarm on every storey used as living space; CO alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance; repair when reported | From tenancy start | All private lets | Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations (as amended 2022) |
| Deposit protection Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme and give the prescribed information | Within 30 days of receipt | Where a deposit is taken | Housing Act 2004 |
| Right to Rent checks Check that adult occupiers have the right to rent in England | Before the tenancy starts | England | Immigration Act 2014 |
| Renters' Rights Act information sheet Serve the government information sheet on existing tenants | By 31 May 2026 (passed) | Existing tenancies | Renters' Rights Act 2025 |
| Rent increases Once a year only, using a Section 13 notice | Since 1 May 2026 | Assured periodic tenancies | Renters' Rights Act 2025 |
| Rent in advance No more than one month's rent can be taken in advance; no rental bidding | Since 1 May 2026 | Private lets | Renters' Rights Act 2025 |
| HMO licence Mandatory licence for homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households; councils may also require additional or selective licences | Before letting | HMOs and licensing areas | Housing Act 2004 |
| PRS database registration Register yourself and each rental property on the government service | Regional roll-out from 15 Dec 2026; all by mid-November 2027 | All private landlords | Renters' Rights Act 2025 |
| Landlord Ombudsman Join the PRS Landlord Ombudsman redress scheme | Mandatory from 2028 | All private landlords | Renters' Rights Act 2025 |
General information for England, not legal advice. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. Councils can add licensing conditions; check with your local authority.