Ultimate Landlord Compliance Checklist for 2026

 
12/01/2026

The rules have changed for landlords. Between new safety regulations, inspections, and compliance deadlines, landlords need to be well prepared in 2026. This guide breaks down what you need to know to manage your properties effectively and stay on the right side of the law.

 

Why 2026 is a turning point

2026 marks one of the most significant statutory overhauls in the UK rental sector for decades. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (now law) reshapes how landlords enter, manage and exit tenancies -and introduces robust protection for tenants alongside new compliance duties. At the same time, updated safety standards (especially electrical and hazard reporting requirements) are being phased in with firm deadlines landlords need to hit to avoid heavy fines. 

 

 

The financial consequences of non-compliance have never been higher for UK landlords. Over the past few years, the government has introduced more finable offences, higher penalty limits, and stronger enforcement powers for councils, all of which continue under the Renters’ Rights Act framework.

 

 

Even minor oversights - such as outdated certificates, incorrect tenancy terms or unlawful rent practices - can now result in four-figure fines per breach, with higher penalties for repeat or serious offences.

 

In short, the margin for error has narrowed considerably. Proactive compliance is now far cheaper than dealing with enforcement action after the fact.



The following checklist is your blueprint for staying on the right side of the law in 2026 and beyond. 

 

 

1. Key legal changes & dates you must know (2025–2027) 

Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - Phased Rollout (England) 

The Renters’ Rights Act is being implemented in phases. The first major wave hits 1st May 2026. 

 

Timeline of Key Changes:

 

27th October 2025 - Royal Assent: The Renters’ Rights Act becomes law.

 

27th December 2025 - Local authority investigatory powers go live: Councils get stronger inspection and enforcement tools before the main reforms kick in.

 

1st May 2026 - Phase 1 begins:

- No more Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions for private rentals.
- Assured Shorthold Tenancies abolished; replaced with Assured Periodic Tenancies.
- Rent increases can only happen once per year after proper notice.
- Rule change: adverts must show a single rent figure - no bidding wars.
- Advance rent capped at 1 month for new tenancies.
- Illegal to discriminate against tenants because they have children or receive benefits.
- Landlords must consider tenant pet requests within 28 days and provide valid reasons for refusal.

Late 2026 - Phase 2:
- Mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database launch; landlords must register details.
- PRS Landlord Ombudsman starts offering dispute resolution.

2035–2037 (expected) - Phase 3:
- Decent Homes Standard potentially legislated, setting minimum property quality standards.


 Note: This roadmap applies primarily to England. Other UK nations have different tenant protection laws. 

 


2. How the Renters’ Rights Act changes your obligations

Tenancies & Termination 

  • All ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancies) convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies on 1st May 2026. 

  • No more “no‑fault” Section 21 evictions for most private lets after this date. 

  • Landlords must rely on valid Section 8 grounds (e.g. rent arrears, antisocial behaviour) to obtain possession. 

 

Rent Controls & Payment Rules 

  • Rent can only be increased once per year via statutory notice.  

  • Landlords cannot market a property with a price range or accept offers above listed rent. 

  • Limit of one month’s rent in advance for new tenancies. 

 

Anti‑Discrimination 

  • Refusing a tenancy because the applicant receives benefits or has children is unlawful. 

 

Pets 

  • Tenants can request to keep a pet; landlords must respond suitably within 28 days. 

 

Tenant Information Duties 

  • For existing tenancies before 1st May 2026, landlords must issue the official government information sheet on changes by 31st May 2026. 

 

3. Core safety & compliance requirements (ongoing)

These duties already exist independently of the Renters’ Rights Act and landlords must maintain them continuously.


Electrical Safety (England & Wales)


Electrical Safety Standards require landlords to: 

  • Have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 5 years.  

  • Provide tenants copies of the report: 

  • New tenancies: before occupation. 

  • Existing tenancies: within 28 days. 

Important dates (Social Housing overlap): 

  • 1st November 2025: New electrical safety rules including social rented sector variations come into force. 

  • 1st May 2026: Existing social tenancies granted before 1st December 2025 fall under the updated duties. 

  • By 1st November 2026: Complete compliance for all installations and appliance checks under the extended rules. 

Key note: Where electrical inspections identify issues, remedial work must be done, usually within 28 days. 

 

These electrical rules apply across both private and social rented sectors under updated regulations. 

 

Gas Safety 

  • Annual Gas Safety Check by a Gas Safe engineer. 

  • Landlords must provide tenants with certificates. (Ongoing statutory duty.) 

 

Fire & CO Safety 

  • Smoke alarms on each floor, regular testing. 

  • Carbon monoxide alarms where required (e.g. in rooms with solid fuel appliances). 

 

EPC & Energy 

  • Must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing. 

  • Future MEES improvements (move to EPC C by 2030) are in government plans - start planning now. 

 

Deposit Protection & Documentation 

  • All deposits must be protected in an approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. 

  • Provide the prescribed information to tenants within statutory timeframes. 

 

Right to Rent Checks 

  • In England, tenants’ immigration status must be checked before letting. 

 

Licensing 

  • Selective licensing, HMO licensing or other local schemes may apply depending on property type and location. 

 

4. Practical 2026 compliance checklist

NOW - Before 31st May 2026 


✔ Review all existing tenancy agreements for Renters’ Rights Act readiness. 
✔ Issue government information sheet to existing tenants. 
✔ Book upcoming EICR renewals where due. 
✔ Ensure all Gas Safety and EPC certificates are valid and accessible. 
✔ Audit deposit protection records. 
✔ Prepare updated tenancy templates for new periodic tenancies. 

1st May 2026 - Phase 1 Effective 

✔ Switch all tenancies to Assured Periodic Tenancies (new & existing). 
✔ Stop issuing Section 21 notices. 
✔ Follow new rules on rent increases, bidding and rent in advance. 
✔ Process rent reviews annually, with 2 months’ notice. 

 

LATE 2026 - Phase 2 


✔ Register yourself and properties on the PRS Database (once mandatory). 
✔ Prepare for dispute referrals to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman. 

 

BEYOND (2035–2037) - Phase 3


✔ Anticipate compliance with the Decent Homes Standard once set. 

 

Staying compliant in 2026 and beyond 

The Renters’ Rights Act marks a major shift in how the private rental sector operates, placing greater responsibility on landlords to stay informed, organised and compliant. With further changes still to come, keeping on top of legal requirements is more important than ever. 


If you’d like support managing your properties, navigating compliance checks, and ensuring everything is in place for 2026, Prop Home is here to help. Our experienced property management team can take the pressure off while keeping your portfolio fully compliant. 

 
» Back to Blog