How to ensure your rental property complies with UK legislation

Being a landlord in the UK isn’t just about collecting rent – it comes with a hefty list of legal responsibilities. From safety standards to deposit protection, compliance is key to keeping your tenants happy and avoiding costly fines.

But keeping up with ever-changing regulations can feel overwhelming. That’s where Jacobs Steel comes in. We help landlords stay compliant, stress-free, and focused on what really matters.

Key legal requirements for UK landlords

Here’s a quick rundown from our Lettings Team of the essential rules and regulations you need to follow to keep your rental property legally compliant:

1. Gas and electrical safety

A Gas Safety Certificate is required annually for properties with gas appliances.
Electrical safety checks (EICR) must be carried out every five years by a qualified electrician.
All electrical appliances must be safe for use – PAT testing is recommended.

2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Your property must have a valid EPC rated at least ‘E’ before it can be let out.
The UK government is pushing for tighter EPC regulations in the coming years, so it’s worth planning improvements now.

Find out more by reading our EPC guide for landlords.

3. Deposit protection

If you take a deposit, it must be registered with a government-backed scheme like the DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits.
Failing to protect a tenant’s deposit can result in fines of up to three times the deposit amount.

4. Right to Rent checks

Landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK by verifying identification documents.
Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines or even criminal charges.

5. Fire and carbon monoxide safety

Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of a rental property.
Carbon monoxide alarms are required in rooms with gas or solid fuel appliances (e.g. wood burners, coal fires), and recommended for gas cookers.
All furniture and furnishings must meet fire safety regulations.

6. Landlord licensing

Most local councils require landlords to obtain a license, particularly for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
Check with your local authority to see if you need a license for your property.

7. Legionella risk assessment

Landlords are responsible for ensuring water systems are safe from Legionella bacteria.
While full-scale testing isn’t always necessary, regular risk assessments should be carried out.

8. Tenancy Regulations

Rent increases must comply with tenancy agreements and legal notice periods. When the new Renters’ Rights Bill is implemented this year, to increase rent, landlords will need to serve a ‘Section 13’ notice, setting out the new rent and giving at least 2 months’ notice of it taking effect.
Evictions must also follow the correct legal process. Currently, Section 21 (no-fault evictions) requires at least two months’ notice, but the new Renters’ Rights Bill will mean that landlords will no longer be able evict tenants without a valid reason.
Failure to follow proper procedures can result in delays and potential legal action from tenants.

Read our full guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill due to become law this year and will affect all UK landlords.

How Jacobs Steel helps you stay compliant

We know that keeping up with all these legal requirements is time-consuming, and slipping up could land you in hot water. That’s why Jacobs Steel offers a complete property management service, ensuring your rental meets every regulation without the hassle.

Here’s how we can help:

Regular compliance checks – We keep an eye on all required safety certificates and remind you when they need renewing.
Trusted repairs network – Need a gas safety check or a handyman repair? We’ll arrange it for you.
Hassle-free tenant management – From right-to-rent checks to deposit protection, we handle it all.
Legislation updates – We stay on top of changing regulations, so you don’t have to.

Navigating UK rental laws can feel like a minefield, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be a headache. Jacobs Steel takes the stress out of compliance, so you can focus on being a successful landlord without worrying about legal pitfalls.

Want to make sure your rental is fully compliant? Get in touch with Jacobs Steel today.

The Renters Reform Bill is coming

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