Published: 16/05/2025
What Every Landlord Must DoAs a landlord, there are legal rules you need to follow to keep your property safe — and to avoid fines or tenant complaints. This checklist covers all the important things in one place.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
✔ Must be at least E rating
✔ Valid for 10 years
✔ Give a copy to your tenant before they move in
Gas Safety Certificate
✔ Get a Gas Safe engineer to check every gas appliance
✔ Do this once every year
✔ Give the report to your tenant within 28 days
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
✔ Done every 5 years by a qualified electrician
✔ Covers wiring, sockets, light fittings
✔ Must fix any ‘urgent’ issues quickly
Smoke & CO Alarms
✔ 1 smoke alarm on every floor
✔ CO alarm in every room with a gas boiler or solid fuel
✔ Test alarms on the day tenant moves in
Tenancy Deposit Protection
✔ Deposit must go in a government-approved scheme
✔ Do this within 30 days of receiving it
✔ Give tenant ‘prescribed information’ about the scheme
Other Important Rules
Right to Rent
✔ Check tenant ID and immigration status before they move in
✔ Take copies and store safely
During Void Periods (when the property is empty)
✔ Keep the property clean and secure
✔ Continue to check alarms and meters
✔ Inform your insurance provider
Landlord Obligations
✔ Repairs: Fix heating, hot water, leaks, or electrical faults quickly
✔ Clean & Safe: Keep home in good condition
✔ Give all paperwork: EPC, gas cert, EICR, How to Rent guide, deposit info
Need Help Staying Compliant?
Let BTC Lettings handle it all for you. We manage 700+ properties and make sure everything is up to date — from safety certificates to tenant care.