Frequently asked questions
Plain-English answers to the most common UK landlord compliance questions, based on GOV.UK and HSE guidance. Not legal advice — always verify current rules on GOV.UK.
How often does a landlord need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect all gas appliances and flues in the property annually. The record (CP12) must be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.
Source: HSE gas safety for landlordsWhat is the penalty for not having a Gas Safety Certificate?
Failing to carry out an annual gas safety check is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The penalty is an unlimited fine and up to 6 months imprisonment. A missing certificate also blocks a Section 8 possession claim.
Source: HSE gas safety enforcementWho can carry out a gas safety check?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Always verify the engineer's registration number on the Gas Safe Register at gassaferegister.co.uk before booking.
Source: Gas Safe RegisterHow often does a landlord need an EICR?
Every 5 years for rental properties in England, or sooner if the report specifies. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made EICRs mandatory for new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and all tenancies from 1 April 2022.
Source: GOV.UK electrical safety standardsWhat is the maximum fine for not having an EICR?
The local housing authority can issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per property for failing to comply with the EICR regulations.
Source: GOV.UK electrical safety guidanceWhat do C1, C2 and C3 codes mean on an EICR?
C1 means danger present — immediate action required. C2 means potentially dangerous — urgent remedial work required within 28 days. C3 is a recommendation only and is not legally required. FI means further investigation is needed.
Source: GOV.UK EICR guidanceWhat EPC rating do I need to legally let a property?
Currently, rental properties in England must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let. The maximum fine for letting an F or G property is £5,000. A proposed increase to a minimum C rating (target 2028) is not yet law.
Source: GOV.UK EPC for landlordsHow long is an EPC valid?
An EPC is valid for 10 years. You must have a valid EPC before marketing a property to let and provide a copy to the tenant before the tenancy starts.
Source: GOV.UK EPC guidanceHow long do I have to protect a tenancy deposit?
You must protect the deposit in a government-authorised scheme (DPS, TDS or mydeposits) and serve Prescribed Information on the tenant within 30 calendar days of receiving it.
Source: GOV.UK deposit protectionWhat is the penalty for not protecting a deposit?
A court can order you to repay between 1 and 3 times the deposit amount to the tenant. Failing to protect a deposit also blocks a Section 8 possession claim until the deposit is returned or protected.
Source: GOV.UK tenancy deposit protectionWhat is the maximum deposit I can charge?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the maximum deposit is 5 weeks' rent if annual rent is under £50,000, or 6 weeks' rent if annual rent is £50,000 or more.
Source: GOV.UK tenant feesWho must carry out Right to Rent checks?
All private landlords in England must check that every adult occupier has the legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts. This applies regardless of nationality.
Source: GOV.UK Right to Rent checksWhat is the fine for not doing Right to Rent checks?
Fines can reach £1,000 per occupier for a first offence and up to £20,000 per occupier for repeat offences.
Source: GOV.UK Right to Rent enforcementWhen did Section 21 get abolished?
Section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026 under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a specific legal ground under Section 8.
Source: GOV.UK Renters' Rights Act overviewWhat replaces Section 21?
Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 is now the only route to possession. Landlords must cite a specific ground — for example, Ground 1 (landlord moving in), Ground 1A (selling), or Ground 8 (2 months' rent arrears). Notice periods vary by ground.
Source: GOV.UK Section 8 guidanceWhat is the Information Sheet deadline?
Landlords with existing written assured shorthold tenancies must serve the government Information Sheet on tenants by 31 May 2026. Verbal tenancies require a written record of key terms by the same date. The maximum civil penalty is £7,000.
Source: GOV.UK Renters' Rights ActTrack every deadline automatically
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