UK Landlord Compliance Guide 2026: What You Need to Know

Staying compliant is one of the most important responsibilities for UK landlords. Meeting legal requirements protects your tenants, keeps your property safe, and ensures your investment is secure. At Ready To Let, we know compliance can feel complex, so here’s a clear guide to what landlords need to know in 2026.

1. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Landlords must provide an EPC rating of at least E for all rental properties. Plans to raise the minimum to C have been delayed, so upgrades are voluntary for now.

Key points:

• EPCs are valid for 10 years unless major changes are made to the property.

• Fines for non-compliance can reach £5,000.

• Voluntary improvements to EPC C can reduce energy bills and make your property more attractive to tenants.

  
  

2. Gas and Electrical Safety

Ensuring appliances and installations are safe is essential.

• Gas safety: Annual checks by a Gas Safe-registered engineer are required, with certificates provided to tenants.

• Electrical safety: Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) must be renewed every five years and shared with tenants at the start of each tenancy.

3. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Landlords must protect tenants from fire and carbon monoxide risks:

• Smoke alarms on every storey.

• Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with combustion appliances (e.g., boilers or wood burners).

• All alarms should be tested at the start of every tenancy.

4. Tenancy Deposit Protection

Tenant deposits must be secured in one of the government-approved schemes:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)

• MyDeposits

• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

Failing to protect deposits can result in fines of up to three times the deposit value and restrict your ability to serve a Section 21 notice.

5. Licensing Requirements

Certain properties, especially HMOs, require a licence from your local council. Some areas operate selective licensing schemes, so always check with your council to ensure compliance.

6. Fitness for Human Habitation

Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must ensure properties are safe and free from hazards, such as damp or structural issues. Tenants can take legal action if homes are not fit to live in.

7. Right to Rent Checks

Landlords are legally required to verify that tenants have the right to rent in the UK using original documents or the Home Office online checking service. Non-compliance can result in fines.

8. Upcoming Changes: The Renters' Reform Bill

Proposed reforms could include:

• Ending Section 21 evictions (no-fault evictions).

• Assured periodic tenancies replacing fixed-term contracts.

• Simplified grounds for possession, helping landlords reclaim properties for specific reasons.

Keeping an eye on these changes will help you stay ahead of compliance requirements.

Staying Compliant

Regularly reviewing regulations, maintaining safety standards, and protecting tenant deposits will not only keep you on the right side of the law but also improve tenant relationships and safeguard your investment.

Partnering with a letting agent or property management service like Ready To Let can simplify the process, ensuring your property is ready to let and fully compliant, while saving you time and stress.

Contact us today to simplify the process.