Avoid Costly Mistakes: Essential Landlord Compliance Checklist 2025

For landlords, failing to comply with legal requirements for landlords in the UK doesn’t just put tenants at risk—it can also result in financial penalties and prevent you from legally evicting a tenant if you need to. Ensuring you have all the right documentation in place is critical to a successful tenancy and a smooth legal process if issues arise. Here’s a landlord compliance checklist for 2025 to protect your rights and your property.

  1. Gas Safety Certificate – A Legal Requirement for Landlords

  • All gas appliances must pass an annual Gas Safety Certificate check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • A copy must be given to tenants at the start of the tenancy.

  1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Do You Need One to Rent?

  • A valid EPC certificate with a minimum rating of Band E is required (unless exempt).
  • A copy must be given to tenants before they move in.

  1. HMO & Selective Licensing Requirements for Landlords

  • If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), you must have an HMO licence from your local council.
  • Additionally, some councils operate selective licensing schemes in specific areas, so you should check if your property falls within one of these zones.

  1. Electrical Safety Compliance – EICR & PAT Testing for Landlords

  • You must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted at least every five years.
  • A copy of the EICR must be given to tenants before they move in.
  • PAT testing should be carried out on electrical appliances supplied by the landlord.

  1. Fire Safety Regulations for Rental Properties

  • Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances.
  • Alarms must be tested at the start of each tenancy.

  1. Right to Rent Checks – What Landlords Need to Know

  • Landlords in England must carry out Right to Rent checks  on the potential tenant and any adult who will be living with them.
  • Copies of documents proving a tenant’s right to rent must be retained.

  1. Financial Due Diligence – Preventing Fraud & Risk for Landlords

  • If working with a letting agent, the landlord must conduct thorough tenant referencing checks, including ID verification and financial background screening.
  • Be aware of fraud risks, especially with high-value rentals—confirm tenants’ identities and financial history before signing agreements.
  • Starting in May 2025, landlords will also be required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on tenants to ensure compliance with new regulations.
  • If handling high-rent properties (£8,800+ pcm), additional financial checks may be required to comply with money laundering regulations.

  1. Deposit Protection Rules – Avoid Fines and Invalid Evictions

  • Any tenant deposit must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days.
  • You must provide tenants with the Prescribed Information about the deposit protection.
  • Failure to comply can result in fines and invalidate eviction notices.

  1. “How to Rent” Guide – A Key Document for UK Landlords

  • Landlords must provide tenants with the latest “How to Rent” guide before the tenancy begins.
  • Failure to provide this document can make a Section 21 eviction notice invalid.

  1. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Compliance

  • Rental properties must be free from serious hazards such as damp, mould, poor ventilation, and structural defects.
  • Heating and hot water systems must be fully functional.
  • Local authorities can take enforcement action against landlords who fail to comply.

Why Landlord Compliance Matters in 2025

Not meeting these legal responsibilities for landlords could lead to hefty fines and prevent you from serving a valid eviction notice if needed. If you fail to provide an EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, or “How to Rent” guide, your eviction case could fall through in court.

Staying compliant not only protects your rental property investment but also ensures you can legally evict tenants when necessary. Stay informed, keep records up to date, and conduct regular checks to avoid costly mistakes in 2025 and beyond.

At LFL, we offer Landlord Compliance Audit Checks for just £99. Book yours today and get peace of mind.