Landlord inspection and compliance checklist (England, 2026)

Every legal duty a private landlord in England needs to cover, grouped by when it applies, with the law behind it. Tick items as you go; your ticks stay in this browser only.

Before you let

When the tenancy starts

During the tenancy

Ending the tenancy

Landlord inspection checklist

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present and working (test on the first day of each new tenancy).
  • Signs of damp, mould, leaks or condensation; ventilation working.
  • Heating and hot water working; boiler pressure; any gas smell reported.
  • Electrical sockets, switches and visible wiring undamaged.
  • Structure and exterior: roof, gutters, windows, doors, locks.
  • Fire doors and escape routes in HMOs.
  • Record the date, photos and any repairs agreed, and send the tenant a copy.
This checklist covers the main national duties. Councils can add licence conditions, and leases can add obligations. Information, not legal advice.

Questions landlords ask

What documents does a landlord need to provide?

Before or at the start of a tenancy: the EPC, the gas safety record, the electrical inspection report, the deposit prescribed information and the required written information about the tenancy. Existing tenants also needed the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.

What is a landlord compliance checklist?

A list of the legal duties that apply to letting a home, with the dates by which each must be done. This page lists the duties for private landlords in England with the law behind each one.

What can a landlord check during an inspection?

Condition, repairs needed, safety (alarms working, no gas or electrical hazards) and whether the tenancy terms are being kept. Give the tenant proper notice as your tenancy terms require, and record what you find.

What is the landlord compliance checklist for 2026?

On top of the usual safety duties: Renters’ Rights Act changes from 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, the new right to rent code from 1 October 2026, and the landlord database from 15 December 2026.

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Sources

Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Information, not legal advice. Official pages change; follow the source link before you act.