London Landlord Compliance Calendar 2025: Annual Tasks and Deadlines
A month-by-month checklist of compliance tasks every London landlord must complete — from annual gas safety certificates to EICR renewals and selective licensing renewals.
Why a Compliance Calendar Matters
London landlords juggling multiple properties face a constant stream of certification and inspection deadlines. Missing any of them creates legal liability and in some cases removes the right to serve notice on tenants. A structured annual calendar is the simplest way to stay ahead.
Annual Tasks (Recurring)
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Required every 12 months. Book the inspection at least 4–6 weeks before the expiry date to allow time to rebook if the engineer finds a fault that prevents certification. Serve the new certificate on the tenant within 28 days of issue.
Legionella Risk Assessment
While not legally required annually, a risk assessment is legally required and should be reviewed whenever there is a change in the system (new boiler, new tenants, long periods of non-use). Landlords with simple domestic cold and hot water systems can complete a self-assessment; those with complex systems should use a specialist.
Smoke and CO Alarm Checks
Test at the start of every new tenancy. Encourage tenants to test monthly. Replace batteries or whole units as needed. Keep a record.
Every 5 Years
EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report
Book in advance of the expiry date. Remedial work (if any C1 or C2 findings) must be completed within 28 days. The report and confirmation letter must be served on the tenant.
EPC — Energy Performance Certificate
Required on every new letting. The EPC must show a minimum E rating (minimum C rating is expected to be required from 2028 for new tenancies). EPCs are valid for 10 years.
Licence Renewals
Selective Licensing
Selective licensing licences typically last 5 years. Check the scheme end date for your borough — many London schemes launched in 2017–2020 are coming up for renewal. Renewal involves a new application and fee.
Mandatory HMO Licensing
Mandatory HMO licences are also typically 5 years. Renewals must be submitted before the current licence expires to maintain continuous licensing.
At Start of Every Tenancy
- Provide gas safety certificate (current)
- Provide EICR (current)
- Provide EPC
- Provide How to Rent guide (current version)
- Confirm smoke and CO alarms are working
- Register deposit with approved scheme within 30 days
- Serve prescribed information for deposit scheme
Keeping Records
Keep a compliance file per property with dates, certificate copies, engineer details and evidence of service on tenants. Digital storage with dated email trails is sufficient for most landlords.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book my annual gas safety inspection?
Book 4–6 weeks before the certificate expires. Gas Safe engineers can issue the new certificate up to 2 months early without losing the original expiry date, meaning a 12-month cycle continues unbroken.
What is the How to Rent guide and do I need to provide it?
The How to Rent guide is a government document explaining tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. Landlords must provide the current version to assured shorthold tenancy tenants at the start of each tenancy. Failing to do so may block a Section 21 notice.
Does the EPC minimum E rating apply to existing tenancies?
Since April 2023, the minimum E rating applies to all private rented properties in England including existing tenancies. Properties rated F or G cannot be lawfully let unless an exemption applies.
How long should I keep gas safety records?
The Gas Safety Regulations require landlords to keep records for at least 2 years. Best practice is to keep records indefinitely as they may be needed to defend a dispute or prosecution.