Landlord compliance guide — everything you need in 2026

The core certificates

These are the documents you need before a tenant moves in — and that you must provide copies of (most of them) on or before the start of tenancy.

• EPC — Energy Performance Certificate, minimum band E, valid 10 years
• Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) — annual, by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report, every 5 years
• PAT — Portable Appliance Testing for landlord-supplied appliances (best practice)
• Smoke alarm on every storey, CO alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance
• Legionella risk assessment (no formal certificate, but documented)

Prescribed information at tenancy start

On day one of a new AST you must also give the tenant: a copy of the EPC, the Gas Safety Certificate, the latest electrical report, the government 'How to Rent' guide, and (where deposit is taken) prescribed information and deposit-scheme certificate within 30 days.

Right to Rent checks

Before granting a tenancy in England you must check every adult occupier's right to rent — either in person with original documents, via the Home Office online checking service, or with an IDSP for British and Irish citizens. Keep dated copies for the duration of tenancy plus one year.

Coming next: MEES tightening and the Renters' Rights Bill

Government has consulted on raising the minimum EPC for new tenancies to band C, potentially as soon as 2028. The Renters' Rights Bill (replacing the Renters Reform Bill) abolishes Section 21 'no fault' evictions, introduces periodic tenancies by default and creates a new ombudsman. If you have D or E rated stock, plan upgrades now.

HMOs — extra rules

If your property is an HMO (broadly: three or more unrelated occupiers sharing facilities) you'll likely need an HMO licence, mandatory PAT testing, and extra fire safety measures including interlinked alarms and fire doors.