Landlord Compliance Tracking. EPC, Gas Safety & Certificates in One Place

The Renters' Rights Act has been in force since 1 May 2026 and introduces major changes for landlords, some immediate and some phased in over the following years. Section 21 no-fault evictions have been abolished and tenancies are now periodic. Landlords must register on the new PRS Database. Rent increases are limited to once a year through a Section 13 notice, which a tenant can challenge at tribunal. Tenants can request permission to keep a pet, and a landlord must reply in writing within 28 days, with the request treated as granted if that deadline is missed. Two further reforms are coming but are not yet in force for private lets: the Decent Homes Standard is being extended to the sector for the first time, with enforcement from 2035, and Awaab's Law, which sets strict deadlines for investigating and fixing serious hazards such as damp and mould, is expected to follow. Read our full guide to the Renters' Rights Act changes for landlords.

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) compliance checklist covers obligations above and beyond standard landlord requirements. This includes mandatory HMO licensing from your local council, enhanced fire safety measures (fire doors, alarms, extinguishers, and clear escape routes), minimum room sizes, adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities for the number of occupants, and any additional conditions set by your local authority. Many areas also require selective licensing. August supports HMO properties with dedicated compliance tasks and licensing reminders for each requirement.

The penalties are significant and getting stricter. Missing a gas safety certificate can result in fines of up to £6,000. An overdue or absent EICR carries penalties of up to £40,000. If you haven't protected a tenant's deposit correctly, you cannot serve a valid possession notice and may owe the tenant compensation of 1 to 3 times the deposit amount. Since December 2025, local councils have had expanded enforcement powers, and the Renters' Rights Act introduces further penalties from May 2026. August helps you stay ahead of every deadline.

Yes. August offers a free downloadable compliance checklist that covers every key obligation for UK landlords, including gas safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection, Right to Rent, and more. You can also use August's free plan to track compliance digitally across up to 2 tenancies, with automatic certificate expiry reminders, document storage, and your Landlord Score. Paid plans start at £8.99/month for larger portfolios.

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), rental properties in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of at least E. It is illegal to let a property that falls below this minimum unless a valid exemption has been registered. EPCs are valid for 10 years. When you add a property to August, the app automatically pulls your current EPC rating from government records, so you can see your rating and expiry date without digging through paperwork.

At least every 5 years. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician. The report must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move in. Any faults classified as Code 1 (danger present) or Code 2 (potentially dangerous) must be repaired within 28 days. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000. Upload your EICR to August and the app tracks the expiry date and alerts you before it's due.

Every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out an annual gas safety check on all gas appliances and flues in a rental property. The resulting certificate, known as a CP12, must be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. Landlords who fail to arrange an annual check can face fines of up to £6,000 or criminal prosecution. August tracks your gas safety certificate expiry dates and sends automatic reminders before renewal is due.

UK landlords are legally required to hold a valid gas safety certificate (CP12), renewed every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You also need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E or above, and deposit protection in a government-approved scheme. You must carry out Right to Rent checks and provide tenants with the How to Rent guide before they move in. HMO landlords face additional requirements including mandatory licensing and enhanced fire safety measures. August's compliance checklist covers all of these obligations with step-by-step guidance for each property and tenancy.