- Before Tenancy/Key Handover (Compliance/Safety):
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (minimum E rating).
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Right to Rent checks (confirm legal status).
- Before Tenant Moves In (General):
- Tenancy Agreement (signed).
- Inventory (highly recommended under RRA)
- Meter readings (gas/electricity/water).
- Keys/Access details.
- Within 30 Days of Deposit Payment:
- Deposit Protection Certificate & Prescribed Information (scheme details, leaflet).
Penalties for Non-Compliance (Current & Increasing)
- Deposit Protection: Inability to serve Section 21 notice (eviction), potential claim for 1-3x deposit amount.
- General Compliance (e.g., Safety Certs): Up to £7,000 (minor/first) or £40,000 (serious/repeat) civil penalties, or unlimited court fines, with new council powers from late 2025/2026.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025/2026 Changes
- No-Fault Evictions (Section 21): Will be abolished (expected May 2026 for new tenancies).
- New Grounds for Possession: Consolidated/revised for landlords.
- Rent in Advance: Restrictions on initial large rent payments.
- Council Enforcement: New powers to seize documents, inspect premises, issue higher penalties (Dec 2025 onwards).
