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Landlord Compliance Checklist

Landlord checklist · detailed steps for England

Getting a home ready to let? Start with the first section and work through one stage at a time. If you already have tenants, use the later sections to catch up on repairs, records and upcoming checks.

For private lets in England. The detailed tenancy steps here cover mainstream private residential letting. For a property elsewhere, start with our guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

1. Before you advertise

First, make sure you have permission to let the property. This may mean checking your mortgage, lease or freeholder’s terms and any planning restrictions. Your council can tell you whether the property needs a licence, including for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) or a local licensing scheme.

If you use a letting agent, agree which jobs they will handle and how they will keep you informed. You can still have legal responsibilities for work carried out on your behalf.

2. Get the home ready

Arrange the gas, electrical and energy checks the property needs. Read the results and arrange any required repairs. Fit and test the smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms required for the property.

Look around the home for problems such as damp, mould, unsafe stairs, faulty electrics, fire risks or unreliable heating. Keep the structure, exterior and the water, gas, electrical, sanitation, heating and hot-water systems in repair where required. Shared houses and flats can need additional fire precautions, licensing checks and attention to furniture, doors and escape routes.

Before marketing, make sure you have a valid EPC where required and that the home meets the applicable minimum energy standard or has a valid registered exemption.

3. Before your tenant moves in

  • Use a current agreement and give the required written tenancy information. Our England tenancy guide explains the rules that changed on 1 May 2026.
  • Carry out Right to Rent checks where required in England, treating applicants fairly.
  • Explain the rent, deposit and any other permitted payments clearly.
  • Protect a tenancy deposit within the required time and give the tenant the required scheme information.
  • Give tenants the required safety records on time and keep a note of when you sent them.
  • Make a dated inventory of the contents and condition. Leave appliance instructions and useful contact details.

4. While the property is let

Tell tenants how to report repairs and who to contact in an emergency. Respond to urgent problems first. Arrange lawful access, give the required notice for non-emergency visits and keep tenants updated about appointments.

Keep a simple record of the problem, the work arranged and when it was completed. Put the next safety inspection and any licence renewal in your calendar. A new problem may need attention before a routine check is due.

When changing the rent, responding to a pet request or considering ending a tenancy, use the current process for that tenancy. Find the relevant section in our England guide. Get legal advice if you are unsure about a dispute or notice.

5. Keep your tax records together

Record the rent received and the costs of each property or property business. Keep invoices and supporting records for the required period. An accountant can explain how to report income and costs for the way you own the property, including joint or company ownership.

Some individual landlords need to use Making Tax Digital. Our guide explains the income thresholds and starting dates.

Further information

A property in Scotland?

Use the Scottish damp and mould guide for the response times starting on 6 October 2026. Existing repair duties continue before then.