London Landlord Compliance Checklist for 2026

Whatever way you let your property, some safety and legal duties always apply. Here's a checklist of the main ones for landlords in England, with how often each needs doing.

Safety certificates

• Gas safety check: every 12 months. If the property has gas appliances, a Gas Safe registered engineer must check them every year, and you must keep the record and give a copy to occupiers.
• Electrical inspection (EICR): at least every 5 years. A qualified electrician must inspect and test the electrical installation, and any required remedial work must be completed.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A valid EPC is needed to let the property, and most private rented homes must currently meet at least band E. The government has set out plans to raise the minimum standard, so check the latest position before you renew.

Alarms

• Smoke alarms on every storey used as living accommodation.
• Carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except gas cookers).
• Alarms must be checked as working at the start of each new tenancy, and repaired or replaced when reported faulty.

Licensing

• HMO licensing may apply if the property is shared by people from more than one household.
• Selective or additional licensing schemes run in parts of many London boroughs. Check your council's website for your street.

Paperwork and registration

• Deposit protection is required for assured tenancies, but not for genuine company lets.
• Right to Rent checks apply when letting to individuals as their home.
• Written information for new assured tenancies, under the Renters' Rights Act.
• The private rented sector database, which landlords will need to register with as it rolls out.

For short and serviced lets

• A fire risk assessment, with suitable fire safety equipment.
• The right insurance for short or serviced stays.
• Staying within London's 90-night rule for short stays, or having planning permission.

Let us handle it

Under our guaranteed rent and management services, we track renewal dates and arrange the checks, so nothing slips.

This checklist is general information for landlords in England, not legal advice. Requirements can change.