London landlords face a growing list of compliance obligations. This checklist covers every legal requirement — from annual gas safety checks to EPC ratings and deposit protection — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Renting out a property in London has never involved more compliance obligations. From annual safety certificates to deposit scheme registration and minimum energy efficiency standards, landlords who fail to keep on top of their legal duties face financial penalties, difficulty recovering possession of their property, and in serious cases, prosecution. This checklist covers the key requirements.
Gas safety
Legal requirement: Annual gas safety certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Deadline: Every 12 months from the previous inspection date.
What to do: Book the inspection 2–4 weeks before expiry, provide the certificate to tenants within 28 days and retain records for 2 years.
Electrical safety
Legal requirement: Valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) from a qualified electrician.
Frequency: At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report specifies.
What to do: Provide the EICR to tenants within 28 days of inspection. Complete any C1 or C2 remedial work within 28 days.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Legal requirement: At least one working smoke alarm on every storey. Carbon monoxide alarm required in any room with a solid fuel appliance (and since October 2022, any room with a gas appliance, oil boiler or open fireplace).
What to do: Test alarms at the start of each tenancy. Repair or replace any faulty alarm promptly.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Legal requirement: Valid EPC with a rating of E or above. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let (with limited exceptions).
Frequency: EPC valid for 10 years.
What to do: Display the EPC rating in property listings and provide a copy to tenants.
Legionella risk assessment
Legal status: Not a statutory certificate, but landlords have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to assess Legionella risk in their rental properties.
What to do: Commission a written risk assessment, document control measures and revisit the assessment when the property changes tenants or if the water system is altered.
Tenancy deposit protection
Legal requirement: Deposits must be registered in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. Prescribed information must be provided to the tenant.
Penalty for non-compliance: Up to 3x the deposit value, and landlords who fail to protect a deposit cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice.
Right to Rent checks
Legal requirement: Landlords must check that prospective tenants have the right to rent in England before the tenancy starts.
What to do: Check and record original documents confirming the right to rent. Retain copies for at least one year after the tenancy ends.
HMO licensing
If the property is rented to 5 or more people from 2 or more households, a mandatory HMO licence is required. Many London boroughs also require licensing for smaller HMOs. Check with your local authority.
Frequently asked questions
What certificates does a London landlord need?
At minimum: a valid gas safety certificate (annually), a valid EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC (every 10 years, minimum rating E), working smoke and CO alarms, and a Legionella risk assessment.
Can a landlord be prevented from evicting a tenant for non-compliance?
Yes. Landlords who have not provided a valid gas safety certificate, EICR or EPC to tenants, or who have failed to protect the deposit, cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice.
How often do I need to check smoke alarms?
Alarms must be in working order at the start of each tenancy. Test them yourself or arrange for your agent to test them at each tenancy start.
Is a Legionella risk assessment a legal requirement for landlords?
It is not a statutory certificate in the same way as a gas safety certificate, but landlords have a legal duty to assess Legionella risk under HSE guidance. A written assessment is strongly recommended.