Complete Compliance Checklist for UK Landlords

Every property in the UK is assigned an EPC rating, ranging from A to G bands. The law says that private landlords can only rent out properties with an E rating or higher. Landlords must also give their tenants a copy of a valid EPC. View more

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety of the fixed electrical wiring installations in the property, whereas a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) evaluates the safety of plug-and-play appliances provided by the landlord. Providing a valid EICR report to the tenant is mandatory.

For private properties rented out to five or more people from different households, a landlord must first secure a licence permitting a rental House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) from the local council. Some local councils also issue a Selective Licensing Scheme for specific wards along with Additional Licences for certain property types.View more

There must be at least one working smoke alarm on every floor of a rental property. Carbon monoxide alarms are also compulsory in rooms where solid fuel is burned, such as the boiler room or areas where stoves are used. Landlords must also ensure that proper safety exits are in place and that all furniture provided to tenants is fire-resistant and compliant with relevant regulations.

In the UK, landlords must also ensure that their rental properties are free from health risks, including moisture and mould, inadequate ventilation, and other factors that may lead to diseases and exposure to hazardous substances. These also include proper supply of hot water and smooth drainage systems.

Unpaid rent can be a significant issue, so landlords should conduct thorough reference checks on tenants, including verifying their identity and financial history. Landlords and their agents may also need to do Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on high-value rental properties to follow local rules.

Landlords must move their tenants' deposits to a government-approved deposit protection program within 30 days of receiving the deposit. They also need to update their tenant about the deposit protection system so that the transfer goes smoothly when the tenancy ends. Deposit protection only applies to all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs).

The 'How to Rent' guide is a government-published document that landlords are required to share with tenants at the start of a new tenancy. This guide covers a comprehensive overview of all the roles and responsibilities of a landlord and the rights of a tenant. If a landlord fails to provide this checklist, eviction notices can be considered invalid.

Rental income is taxable in the UK, and landlords are required to file a self-assessment with HMRC at the end of each financial year. Landlords who reside outside the UK can utilise the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme (NRLS). Under this scheme, taxes are deducted at the basic rate before the rent is paid to the landlord.