UK landlord compliance terms explained
Plain-English definitions of every term you need to know as a private landlord in England. Based on GOV.UK and HSE guidance. Not legal advice.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026, all ASTs automatically converted to periodic (rolling) tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for new tenancies.
Full guide →CP12 (Gas Safety Record)
The document issued after an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Commonly called a "Gas Safety Certificate." Landlords must renew it every 12 months and give copies to tenants within 28 days. Failure is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Full guide →EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
A formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a rental property — wiring, consumer unit, sockets and light fittings. Required every 5 years for all private rented properties in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Maximum civil penalty: £30,000.
Full guide →EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Rental properties in England must have a minimum rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Maximum fine for letting an F or G property: £5,000.
Full guide →HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)
A property rented by 3 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities. Properties with 5 or more occupants from 2 or more households require a mandatory HMO licence. Many local authorities also operate additional licensing schemes for smaller HMOs.
Full guide →Section 8 Notice
A notice to quit served under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, citing a specific ground for possession. From 1 May 2026, this is the only route to possession in England following the abolition of Section 21. Common grounds: Ground 8 (2 months' rent arrears), Ground 1 (landlord moving in), Ground 1A (selling).
Full guide →Section 21 Notice
A no-fault eviction notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Abolished for new notices from 1 May 2026 under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a specific legal ground.
Full guide →Deposit Protection Scheme
A government-authorised scheme that protects tenancy deposits. There are three approved schemes in England: DPS (Deposit Protection Service), TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), and mydeposits. Landlords must protect deposits within 30 days of receipt and serve Prescribed Information on the tenant.
Full guide →Prescribed Information
A document that landlords must give to tenants within 30 days of receiving a deposit, alongside deposit protection. It tells the tenant which scheme holds their deposit, how to reclaim it, and how to raise a dispute. Failure to serve it can result in a penalty of 1–3 times the deposit amount.
Full guide →Right to Rent
The legal requirement for all private landlords in England to check that every adult occupier has the legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts. Introduced by the Immigration Act 2014. Fines: £1,000 per occupier for a first offence, up to £20,000 for repeat offences.
Full guide →How to Rent Guide
A government document that landlords must give to tenants at the start of every assured shorthold tenancy in England. Available on GOV.UK. Failure to provide it can invalidate a Section 21 notice (pre-abolition) and may affect a Section 8 claim.
Full guide →Renters Rights Act 2025
UK legislation that received Royal Assent in 2025 and came fully into force on 1 May 2026. Key changes: abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, converted all ASTs to periodic tenancies, introduced a Decent Homes Standard for the private sector, created a new private rented sector database, and gave tenants the right to request pets.
Full guide →MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Regulations requiring rental properties in England and Wales to meet a minimum EPC rating of E. Landlords cannot grant a new tenancy or renew an existing one for a property rated F or G. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
Full guide →Gas Safe Register
The official register of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances in the UK. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can carry out the annual gas safety check required for rental properties. Landlords should always verify an engineer's registration at gassaferegister.co.uk.
Full guide →Compliance Score
A 0–100 score per property used by LetCompliance to indicate how up-to-date a landlord's compliance documents are. A score of 100 means all certificates (Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit, Right to Rent) are current. The score updates daily as expiry dates approach.
Full guide →