General guidance only, not legal advice. This article applies to private landlords in England. Check current government guidance and take advice on your circumstances.
Being a landlord involves a complex web of legal obligations, and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 added more from 1 May 2026. This checklist summarises the key statutory requirements at each stage of a tenancy.
1. Before the tenancy
- Right to Rent: check that every adult occupier has the right to rent in England, following Home Office guidance.
- Fair advertising and selection: advertise one rent, accept no bids above it, and don't discriminate against people with children or on benefits.
- Rent in advance: take no rent before the tenancy is agreed, and no more than one month's rent between signing and the start of the tenancy.
- Safety: annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe engineer, an electrical installation condition report at least every five years, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- EPC: a valid certificate rated at least E (unless exempt), given to the tenant.
- Licensing: any HMO, additional or selective licence required by your council.
- Written terms: a written tenancy with the required information. All private tenancies are now periodic.
- Deposit: taken in money, capped at five weeks' rent (six if annual rent is £50,000 or more), protected within 30 days, with prescribed information served.
2. During the tenancy
- Repairs: keep the structure, exterior and installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation in repair, and keep the home fit for human habitation.
- Access: give at least 24 hours' written notice for inspections, except in emergencies.
- Rent increases: only through a section 13 notice, once a year, with two months' notice.
- Pets: consider written requests to keep a pet, and don't refuse unreasonably.
- Arrears: communicate early and keep records. Late payment interest is limited by the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
- Stay informed: the Private Rented Sector Database and the Landlord Ombudsman are being introduced in stages.
3. Ending a tenancy
- Tenants can end the tenancy with two months' notice.
- Landlords must use a Section 8 notice on Form 3A, relying on a ground for possession. Notice periods range from immediate to four months, depending on the ground. Section 21 no longer exists.
- Possession requires a court order if the tenant doesn't leave. Never evict without one.
- Deposit return: return the deposit, less agreed deductions, promptly after the tenancy ends. Use the scheme's dispute service if you can't agree.
Helpful links
- Right to Rent checks
- Landlord safety responsibilities
- Minimum energy efficiency standard
- Deposit protection
- Guide to the Renters' Rights Act
Need help with a possession case? Speak to Helpland's eviction specialists.
This article provides general guidance for landlords in England and does not constitute legal advice. Last reviewed: November 2026.
