Landlord guides
Plain-English explanations of what the law requires, with links to the official sources.
Landlord compliance checklist: what certificates does a landlord need?
Gas, EICR, EPC, alarms, deposit, Right to Rent and more, with deadlines and penalties.
EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI
C1 and C2 must be fixed, FI investigated. C3 is advice only.
How to become a landlord: a step-by-step guide for first-time landlords
Ten steps from mortgage consent to Self Assessment, in the right order.
The Renters' Rights Act: what it means for landlords
Section 21 abolished from 1 May 2026. Timeline, new rules and penalties.
The Private Rented Sector Database: when and how landlords register
Opens region by region from 15 Dec 2026. £65 per property per year.
Landlord requirements in Scotland: what private landlords must do
Registration, Repairing Standard, EICR plus PAT, interlinked alarms, deposits and HMO licensing.
Landlord requirements in Wales: Rent Smart Wales, contracts and safety
Rent Smart Wales, written statements, 14-day EICR copies, mains-wired alarms, deposits and HMOs.
HMO licence: do you need one, and what does it involve?
Mandatory, additional and selective licensing, typical fees, conditions and £40,000 penalties.
Tenancy deposit protection: the rules for landlords
Protect within 30 days, serve the prescribed information, and avoid 1–3x penalties.
Right to Rent checks: what landlords in England must do
Check every adult before the tenancy starts. Fines up to £10,000 per occupier, £20,000 for repeats.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: what landlords must fit
England: smoke alarm on every storey, CO alarm by fixed combustion appliances. Fines up to £5,000.
EPC C by 2030: the new minimum rating for rented homes
E now, C by 1 October 2030. £10,000 cost cap per property; fines up to £30,000.
Making Tax Digital for landlords: who needs it and when
Over £50k from April 2026, £30k from April 2027, £20k from April 2028. Quarterly updates via software.