Compliance Documents Checklist
These are the foundational compliance documents every landlord must have in place for every tenancy. Each one must be current, correctly served, and evidenced.
Section 21 Transition
Actions for Existing Tenancies
New Tenancy Checklist
For every new tenancy created from 1 May 2026, in sequence:
- Right to Rent checks — completed for every adult occupant before tenancy begins
- Written tenancy agreement — covering all prescribed terms, signed before move-in
- Gas Safety Certificate — valid copy provided before move-in
- EICR — valid copy provided before move-in
- EPC — available before viewings, copy provided at move-in
- How to Rent guide — current version from gov.uk, provided at move-in
- RRA Information Sheet — official PDF provided before tenancy begins
- Smoke and CO alarm check — tested on first day of tenancy, documented
- Deposit protection — in an approved scheme within 30 days of receipt
- Deposit prescribed information — served within 30 days, signed, retained
Possession Readiness
Ongoing Obligations — Process Changes
- Rent increases — Section 13 notice (Form 4 from gov.uk), once per 12 months, two months' notice. Guide →
- Pet requests — respond in writing within 28 days, assess on merits, give specific reasons for any refusal. Guide →
- Gas Safety renewal — annually, copy to tenant within 28 days
- EICR renewal — every 5 years, copy to tenant within 28 days
- How to Rent guide — re-serve if new version published since last service
Upcoming Requirements — Not Yet Operational
PRS Ombudsman registration — mandatory for all landlords. Scheme expected to open for registration in late 2026. Failure to register will eventually block possession orders.
Private Rented Sector Database — mandatory property registration. Timeline and costs not yet confirmed. Will be required before letting and for possession proceedings.
Decent Homes Standard — extended to private rented sector. Detailed requirements and implementation timeline to be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single official landlord checklist from the government?
Gov.uk publishes guidance on landlord obligations but not a single consolidated checklist. The requirements are spread across different pieces of legislation and guidance documents. The LandlordRiskCheck Compliance Pack consolidates these into a practical working reference.
How long does it take to get compliant from scratch?
For a new landlord or one with significant gaps, getting fully compliant across all areas takes one to four weeks depending on how quickly you can get a Gas Safety check and EICR booked — qualified engineers often have waiting lists. The document preparation and service can be completed in a few hours once you have the certificates in hand.
Get the Complete Compliance Pack
The free LandlordRiskCheck Compliance Pack is designed to work alongside this checklist — giving you the templates, trackers, and guides to implement each item systematically.
Get the Free Compliance Pack →