Landlord Sums.comFree calculators for UK landlords

Landlord Sums › Manage › Compliance

Guide · England

Landlord compliance, in one page

What you need before a tenant moves in, what needs renewing and how often, and the rule changes coming next.

Before move-in day

0 of 8 done

Ticks stay on this device only.

Checks that renew

CheckHow oftenTypical cost
Gas safety checkBy a Gas Safe engineer. Copy to tenant within 28 days.Every 12 months£60–£100
Electrical check (EICR)By a qualified electrician. Copy to tenant within 28 days.Every 5 years£120–£250
Energy certificate (EPC)Minimum E today, C expected by 2030.Every 10 years£60–£120
Council licenceOnly in areas with selective or HMO licensing. Check your council's site.Usually 5 yearsVaries by council
Landlord insuranceNot a legal must, but most mortgages require it.Every year£200–£500
Alarm testRequired at each new tenancy. Yearly is good practice.Each tenancyFree

Coming up

  1. Late 2026Landlord databaseEvery private landlord must register themselves and their properties.
  2. April 2027Making Tax Digital widensAlready applies if rental and self-employed income tops £50,000. From April 2027 the threshold drops to £30,000, with quarterly digital updates to HMRC.
  3. April 2027Higher tax on rental profitRates rise to 22%, 42% and 47%. See your figure →
  4. LaterLandlord OmbudsmanMembership becomes compulsory, so tenants can complain without going to court.
  5. 2030EPC C for rentalsBudget for insulation, heating or glazing upgrades now if you're below C.
  6. 2030sDecent Homes Standard and Awaab's LawMinimum standards and fixed repair deadlines for damp, mould and other hazards.

A plain-English summary for England, not legal advice. Costs are typical ranges and vary by area and property size. Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.

Why it matters

Missing a safety check or a deadline can mean fines from your council, a claim from your tenant, or trouble regaining possession. Most of it comes down to a short list done at the right time.

The checks that catch landlords out

The deposit is the most common. It must be protected in a government-backed scheme, and the prescribed information sent to the tenant, within 30 days of receiving it. Gas safety records lapse after twelve months, and it's easy to lose track of an electrical report that only comes round every five years.

Questions landlords ask

What happens if I don't protect the deposit in time?

The tenant can take you to court, and you may have to repay the deposit plus up to three times its value.

How often do I need a gas safety check?

Every 12 months, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Give your tenant a copy within 28 days of the check, and before they move in.

When does the landlord database start?

Registration on the new private rented sector database is expected from late 2026. Every private landlord will need to register themselves and their properties.

What EPC rating do I need?

At least E today. The government expects rented homes to reach C by 2030, so plan upgrades now if you're below that.

Sources

Last updated 1 October 2026.

Related calculators

ManageRent IncreaseThe earliest legal date for a rent rise under the Renters' Rights Act.ManageBudgetWhat to set aside each month, and your break-even rent.BuyShort LetsShort let against a normal tenancy, after fees, cleaning, bills and tax.