1. Gas safety

An annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is required for any property with gas appliances. The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate must be provided to tenants before they move in and within 28 days of the annual check.

Penalty for non-compliance: up to 6 months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Your insurance may also be voided if you cannot produce a valid certificate after an incident.

2. Electrical safety

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required every 5 years in England. Any faults must be investigated or repaired within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the report). A copy must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

Penalty: up to 30,000 pounds per breach.

3. Fire safety

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations:

• Smoke alarms on every storey with living accommodation.
• Carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Extended from October 2022.
• Alarms must be in proper working order at the start of each tenancy.

All upholstered furniture and mattresses must meet fire safety standards under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Check permanent labels on all items.

For short-term lets, a written fire risk assessment is also required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For more on short-let specific requirements, see our guide to England short-term let compliance.

Penalty for smoke/CO non-compliance: up to 5,000 pounds per remedial notice.

4. Energy Performance Certificate

A valid EPC must be obtained before marketing a property. The current minimum rating is Band E (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards). The minimum rises to Band C by October 2030. Upgrading from E to C typically costs 5,000-15,000 pounds.

Penalty for non-compliance: up to 5,000 pounds.

5. Deposit protection

Tenancy deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed information must be provided to the tenant within the same period.

Failure to protect a deposit means you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice (until May 2026 when Section 21 is abolished). You may also face penalties of up to 3x the deposit amount. For more on the Section 21 changes, see our guide to Section 21 abolition.

6. Licensing

6.1 HMO licensing

Houses in Multiple Occupation (5+ tenants from 2+ households sharing facilities) require a mandatory HMO licence. Some councils also require additional licensing for smaller shared properties. Check with your local authority.

6.2 Selective licensing

Some councils operate selective licensing schemes requiring all privately rented properties in designated areas to be licensed. Fees are typically 500-1,000 pounds for a 5-year licence.

6.3 Short-term let registration (coming)

A mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets is expected in 2026 under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. A new C5 planning use class has been proposed. For the latest, see our guide to England short-term let compliance.

7. The Renters' Rights Act 2025

Key changes from the Renters' Rights Act taking effect from May 2026:

• Section 21 abolished. All evictions require specific Section 8 grounds.
• All tenancies become periodic. Fixed terms end. Tenants can leave with 2 months' notice.
• PRS Database: landlords must register on a national database (launching late 2026).
• Ombudsman: landlords must join a government-approved Ombudsman Scheme.
• Decent Homes Standard extended to the private rented sector.

For the full breakdown, see our guide to Section 21 abolition.

8. Compliance checklist

• Annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
• EICR within last 5 years.
• Smoke alarms every storey, CO alarms where required.
• Fire-safe furniture (check labels).
• Valid EPC (Band E minimum, Band C by 2030).
• Deposit protected within 30 days + prescribed info provided.
• HMO licence if applicable.
• Selective licence if in a designated area.
• "How to Rent" guide provided to tenants.
• Legionella risk assessment documented.
• Landlord insurance with public liability.

A professional property manager handles most of these as part of the service. For costs, see our guide to costs of running a holiday let. For tax implications, see our guide to Airbnb tax in the UK.