These changes apply in England. Scotland and Wales operate separate tenancy regimes that already removed no-fault eviction in different forms — see the nation comparison below. Read the full breakdown in Renters Rights Bill: what landlords need to know.
The landlord compliance calendar
Compliance obligations fall due at different frequencies. Missing any of these is one of the most common — and most costly — landlord mistakes.
Deposits must be placed in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, with prescribed information given to the tenant.
Deposit protection guide →A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is required every 12 months for any property with gas appliances, issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is mandatory at least every 5 years, with any remedial work completed within 28 days.
Landlords in England must verify every adult tenant's immigration status before, and sometimes during, a tenancy.
Right to Rent guide →A property must have a valid EPC before being marketed or let, currently rated E or above.
EPC guide for landlords →A working smoke alarm on every floor and a CO alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance, tested at the start of every tenancy.
England, Scotland and Wales — key differences
UK landlord law is not one system. Scotland and Wales each run distinct tenancy frameworks with their own rules and timelines.
Full detail: Scotland landlord compliance guide, Wales landlord compliance guide, and Wales Renting Homes Act explained.
Penalties for non-compliance
| Breach | Typical penalty |
|---|---|
| Unlicensed HMO requiring a licence | Unlimited fine and/or Rent Repayment Order (up to 12 months' rent) |
| Deposit not protected within 30 days | 1-3x the deposit amount, plus loss of ability to serve a Section 21/8 notice until remedied |
| No valid Gas Safety Certificate | Unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment (Health and Safety Executive) |
| No EICR or unresolved remedial work | Civil penalty of up to £30,000 |
| Letting without a valid EPC | Fine of £200-£5,000 depending on property type |
Compliance obligations landlords most often miss
Every certificate, notice and repair request should be dated and filed. In a dispute or Rent Repayment Order claim, the burden is on the landlord to prove compliance — not on the tenant to prove non-compliance. See Landlord record-keeping guide.
Compliance guides
For the wider investment picture, see the Buy-to-Let Hub and Complete UK landlord guide.
About the author
✓ Editorially reviewed — all Poqet guides are checked for factual accuracy before publication and updated when UK rates or legislation change. Editorial Policy