If you are renting out a property in England, there are several legal compliance requirements to consider before a tenant moves in. These may include safety checks, prescribed documents, deposit protection, Right to Rent checks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, licensing and tenancy paperwork. The exact requirements can depend on the property, the tenancy type and the local council area, so landlords should always check what applies to their own property.

1. Gas safety requirements

If the property has gas appliances, landlords must make sure gas equipment they supply is safely installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A registered engineer must also carry out an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue, and the tenant must be given a copy of the gas safety check record before they move in, or within 28 days of the check.

2. Electrical safety requirements

Landlords should make sure the electrical installation in the property is safe. This includes arranging electrical safety checks and keeping evidence that the electrical installation meets the required standard, with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed to satisfaction. If remedial works are needed, landlords should deal with them before the tenant moves in where required.

3. Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate, often called an EPC, gives information about the property's energy efficiency. Landlords should make sure they have a valid EPC where required before marketing or renting out the property. The EPC rating is also useful information for tenants when comparing rental properties.

4. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

Landlords need to consider smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements before the tenant moves in. The exact requirements can depend on the property and the appliances installed, but landlords should make sure required alarms are fitted and working at the start of the tenancy.

5. Right to Rent checks

In England, landlords must check that adult occupiers have the right to rent before allowing them to live in the property. Right to Rent checks are separate from tenant referencing. Referencing helps assess whether a tenant is suitable, while Right to Rent checks relate to immigration status and landlord obligations.

6. Tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement records the key terms between landlord and tenant. It should usually include the property address, tenant details, rent, deposit, start date, and important responsibilities. A clear tenancy agreement helps both sides understand what has been agreed before the tenant moves in.

7. Tenancy deposit protection

If a landlord takes a tenancy deposit, it must be handled correctly. GOV.UK states that the deposit must be protected in a tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and the tenant must be given the required information about how the deposit is protected, including providing to the tenant the prescribed information, which contains details such as the rented property address, the deposit amount, how the deposit is protected and the tenancy deposit protection scheme details. These are included as default within letlaunch's tenancy agreements.

8. Property licensing

Some rental properties require a licence. This is especially important for houses in multiple occupation, also known as HMOs. Large HMOs usually require a licence, and some councils also operate additional or selective licensing schemes for other rented properties in their area. Landlords should check with the local council before renting out a property.

9. HMO rules and additional requirements

If the property is an HMO, there may be extra rules to follow. GOV.UK explains that large HMOs need a licence if they are occupied by five or more people, and councils can apply licensing to other types of HMOs as well. HMOs may also have additional safety, management and property condition requirements.

10. Inventory and check-in report

An inventory records the condition and contents of the property at the start of the tenancy. Although it is not the same as a safety certificate or legal notice, it is a very useful tenancy setup document. A clear inventory and check-in report can help reduce disputes about cleaning, damage or missing items at the end of the tenancy. In your letlaunch portal, you have a comprehensive inventory creator included free of charge so you do not have to pay a third party to complete one. Check out how to use it here.

11. Rent, deposit and move-in payments

Before the tenant moves in, landlords should make sure the correct payments have been received and recorded. This may include the first month's rent, the tenancy deposit and any permitted holding deposit arrangements. It is important to keep clear records of what has been paid, when it was received and what each payment relates to.

12. Repairs and property condition

Landlords are responsible for making sure the property is safe and free from serious hazards. Before letting the property, check that repairs, maintenance and cleaning have been dealt with. This can include heating, hot water, doors, windows, appliances supplied by the landlord, damp issues, flooring, locks and any other matters that could affect the tenant's safety or use of the property.

13. Local council rules

Some compliance requirements depend on the local council area. This is particularly relevant for selective licensing, additional HMO licensing, planning restrictions and local enforcement policies. Before renting out a property, landlords should check the relevant council website to see whether any local rules or licences apply.

Compliance checklist before renting out a property

Before a tenant moves in, landlords should work through the compliance steps that apply to their property. Not every item will apply to every property, but this checklist is a useful starting point.

• Check whether a landlord licence, HMO licence or selective licence is required
• Arrange a gas safety certificate, where required
• Check electrical safety requirements
• Make sure there is a valid EPC, where required
• Check smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements
• Complete Right to Rent checks in England
• Prepare the tenancy agreement
• Collect and record move-in monies correctly
• Protect the tenancy deposit within the required deadline
• Serve prescribed information about the deposit
• Prepare an inventory and check-in report
• Deal with repairs, cleaning and maintenance before move-in
• Keep records of certificates, checks, notices and documents served

Why compliance matters for landlords

Compliance is not just paperwork. It helps protect tenants, reduces the risk of disputes, and gives landlords a clearer record of what was done before the tenancy started. Missing important steps can create problems later, especially if there is a dispute, enforcement action or a need to rely on tenancy documents.

How letlaunch helps landlords with compliance

letlaunch is designed to help landlords advertise their rental property and set up a tenancy without paying traditional letting agent fees. Our Full Tenancy Setup package includes support with key tenancy setup steps, including unlimited tenant/guarantor referencing, tenancy agreement with DocuSign signature, deposit registration and property compliance.