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Chapter 01
Safety duties
- Annual gas safety checks and a valid CP12 where gas is present.
- A satisfactory EICR at least every five years.
- A valid EPC rated E or above (rising toward C in future).
- Working smoke alarms on every storey and CO alarms in combustion-appliance rooms.
- Fire safety measures appropriate to the property, especially for HMOs.
Chapter 02
Money and fees
- Protect deposits in an approved scheme and serve prescribed information within 30 days.
- Observe the deposit cap and the ban on most tenant fees under the Tenant Fees Act.
- Use the correct statutory process for any rent increase.
Chapter 03
Tenancy paperwork
- Provide a written tenancy agreement.
- Serve the current How to Rent guide at the start of the tenancy.
- Complete and record Right to Rent checks for all adult occupiers (England).
- Provide the EPC, gas safety certificate and EICR to the tenant.
Chapter 04
Property standards and repairs
You must keep the structure, exterior and key installations in repair and ensure the property is fit for human habitation. The Renters' Rights Act provides for later private-sector Decent Homes and Awaab's Law measures, but their detailed requirements follow separate commencement. Existing hazard duties still apply now. Tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment, so respect notice requirements when accessing the property.
Chapter 05
Data protection
As a landlord you handle personal data — ID documents, references, financial details. Under UK GDPR you must collect only what you need, keep it secure, use it only for legitimate purposes, and delete it when it is no longer required. Storing tenant documents securely and limiting access is both good practice and a legal duty.
Chapter 06
Possession and the Renters' Rights Act
The first-phase tenancy reforms took effect in England on 1 May 2026: assured tenancies are periodic and Section 21 is abolished in the private rented sector, so possession requires an applicable statutory ground and evidence. The Private Rented Sector Database is a later Phase 2 measure from late 2026, and the Ombudsman and other reforms follow their own commencement timetable. Check official guidance before treating a later-phase duty as live.
Chapter 07
Staying on top of it all
DR Rent converts these responsibilities into per-property tracking with automatic reminders, secure document storage and an audit trail — so meeting your legal duties becomes routine rather than stressful.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
Further reading and fact-checking
General guidance: This guide is for general information and does not replace legal or professional advice for your circumstances. Check current official guidance and your local authority's requirements.