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Ensure your rental property is fully compliant. Discover the essential documents every landlord must provide tenants, from EPCs to safety certificates.
Introduction
Letting a property can be a rewarding investment, but it comes with legal responsibilities that every landlord must take seriously. Failing to provide tenants with the correct documentation isn’t just a minor oversight—it can result in fines, invalid notices, or even legal disputes.
At Landlo, we help landlords navigate these requirements with confidence. This checklist covers all the essential documents you must provide tenants to stay compliant and protect your property.
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for all rental properties. It rates the energy efficiency of your property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
- Current requirement: The minimum EPC rating for rental properties is Band E.
- When to provide: Tenants must receive a copy at the start of the tenancy.
- Why it matters: Without an EPC, landlords cannot legally rent out their property, and it could affect notice validity or result in financial penalties.
Providing this certificate demonstrates to tenants that your property is energy-efficient and compliant with government standards.
2. Gas Safety Certificate
Gas safety is non-negotiable. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must:
- Arrange an annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check or at the start of the tenancy.
Why it matters: Failure to comply can lead to criminal prosecution and endanger the safety of your tenants.
3. Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
Since July 2020, landlords in the private rental sector must ensure all electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years.
- A qualified electrician issues the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Landlords must provide tenants with a copy before the start of a tenancy.
Importance: This document confirms that all wiring, sockets, and electrical appliances are safe, reducing the risk of accidents and legal liability.
4. How to Rent Guide
The How to Rent Guide is a tenant-facing document published by the UK government. It outlines:
- Tenant rights
- Landlord obligations
- Practical information on renting
Requirement: Landlords must provide the latest version at the start of every tenancy. Failure to do so can make certain eviction notices invalid, leaving landlords exposed to legal complications.
5. Tenancy Deposit Protection Information
If you take a tenancy deposit, the law requires that it is protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
You must provide tenants with:
- The name and contact details of the scheme
- The deposit amount
- How and when it will be returned
Why it matters: Not protecting a deposit correctly can prevent you from serving a Section 21 notice and may result in court action.
6. Optional but Recommended Documents
While not always legally required, these documents help create a smoother tenancy:
- Inventory and check-in report: Protects against disputes over property condition.
- Insurance information: Building or contents insurance details for tenant awareness.
- House rules or community guidelines: Clarifies expectations on garden use, parking, or shared spaces.
Providing these documents upfront fosters trust, reduces disputes, and encourages tenants to take care of your property.
Conclusion
Being a landlord means more than collecting rent—it’s about staying compliant, safeguarding tenants, and protecting your investment. Ensuring you provide all necessary documents not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also makes for happier, longer-term tenants.
At Landlo, we help landlords stay fully compliant, from EPCs and gas safety to deposit protection and beyond.
📩 Contact us today to ensure your property is legally ready for letting and to take the stress out of property management.
