UnitCareLandlord compliance checklist for England
This guide covers England. It's general information, not legal advice. Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different.
Use this as a starting point and check the official guidance for anything that applies to your properties, such as HMO licensing or local council schemes.
Safety certificates and checks
| What | How often | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Gas safety check | Every 12 months | Gas Safe registered engineer. Copy to tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in. |
| Electrical safety (EICR) | At least every 5 years | Copy to tenants within 28 days. Fix problems within 28 days. |
| Smoke and CO alarms | Check on the first day of every tenancy | Smoke alarm on every storey. CO alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (not gas cookers). |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Valid for 10 years | Show it to prospective tenants. Most private lets need a rating of E or above unless an exemption applies. |
| Legionella risk assessment | Review regularly | Landlords have a duty to assess and control the risk from legionella in the water system. |
Before a tenancy starts
- Right to Rent checks in England: check every adult tenant has the right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts.
- Deposit: protect it in a government-backed scheme within 30 days. Deposits and disputes.
- Give tenants copies of the gas safety record, EICR and EPC, plus the other documents and information the law requires for new tenancies.
- Test all alarms on move-in day and record it.
- Do a check-in inventory with photos.
During the tenancy
- Carry out repairs within a reasonable time. Repair responsibilities.
- Deal with damp and mould quickly. Damp and mould guide.
- Keep certificates in date and keep copies.
- Keep a record of every repair report and what you did.
Rules are changing
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brought big changes for private tenancies in England from 1 May 2026, and more are being introduced in stages, including a landlord database and ombudsman. Check GOV.UK for what applies to you.
UnitCare tracks your certificate dates and emails you before they're due, and keeps a dated record of every repair. It's free for up to 5 properties.