A complete chronological guide to your legal obligations as a UK landlord — from preparing the property to the end of tenancy.
UK landlord law has never been more complex. This guide walks you through every key legal obligation in chronological order, from preparing your property for market to returning the deposit at the end of a tenancy.
Before the tenancy begins
Gas safety: obtain a Gas Safety Certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer. This must be no more than 12 months old at the start of the tenancy and renewed annually.
Electrical safety: obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a qualified electrician. This must be no more than 5 years old.
Energy Performance Certificate: ensure you have a valid EPC with a rating of E or above. EPCs are valid for 10 years.
Smoke and CO alarms: fit at least one smoke alarm on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance or gas appliances (from October 2022, CO alarms must be fitted in rooms with gas boilers and gas fires).
How to Rent guide: provide the latest government-issued How to Rent guide to all tenants at the start of the tenancy.
Right to Rent checks: verify that all adult occupants have the legal right to rent in the UK. Document your checks.
At the start of the tenancy
Tenancy agreement: provide a compliant, signed tenancy agreement to all tenants.
Deposit: collect the deposit and register it with an approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days. Provide tenants with the Prescribed Information about the scheme.
Inventory: conduct a detailed inventory and schedule of condition, signed by both parties, before the tenant moves in. This is essential for resolving deposit disputes at the end.
During the tenancy
Annual Gas Safety Certificate: renew annually and provide a copy to tenants within 28 days.
Repairs and maintenance: address repair requests within reasonable timeframes. Emergency repairs (no heating, major leaks) within 24-48 hours; routine repairs within 28 days.
Access: provide at least 24 hours' notice before accessing the property, except in genuine emergencies.
Rent increases: for periodic tenancies, use the correct notice procedure (Section 13 notice) for rent increases. For fixed-term tenancies, increases require either a clause in the agreement or tenant agreement.
At the end of the tenancy
Check-out inspection: conduct a thorough check-out inspection against the original inventory.
Deposit return: agree on any deductions with tenants and return the deposit (minus agreed deductions) within 10 days of agreement. Disputes should be referred to the deposit scheme's resolution service.
Utility transfers: inform utility companies of the tenancy end date and confirm meter readings with departing tenants.
Our management service handles every element of this process on your behalf.