Landlord legal checklist: England, 2026
Every certificate, check, notice and document a landlord in England needs before a tenancy starts, on the day it starts and while it runs, updated for the Renters' Rights Act.
What it covers
- Tick-box items in the order a tenancy runs: before you advertise, before the tenant moves in, on the day, and every year after
- The safety certificates and their renewal cycles: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- The Renters' Rights Act duties in force since 1 May 2026, from advertising rules to section 13 rent increases
- Deposit protection, prescribed information and the documents to serve, with the deadlines
- Licensing and planning checks for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- What is coming next: the landlord database, the ombudsman and the EPC C standard
Printable, and kept up to date: we re-check it against the official guidance and date every revision.
Where shall we send it?
We email you a link to the checklist and show it straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist enough to make my let legal?
It is a working list, not legal advice. It covers the duties most landlords in England have at the time of writing, but your lease, mortgage, property type and tenant can add others. Use it to find gaps and confirm anything you are unsure of with a solicitor or with us.
What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026?
The Renters' Rights Act's first phase: section 21 ended, tenancies became periodic, rent increases moved to once a year by section 13 notice, bidding and more than one month's rent in advance were banned, and tenants with children or on benefits gained protection from discrimination.
When do Bournemouth landlords join the new landlord database?
The government's Housing Hub lists the South West last in the rollout. At the time of writing registration is expected to open on 15 August 2027 with a deadline of 14 November 2027 and a £65 annual fee per property. Check the dates again nearer the time.
Can Flexie Estate Agents handle this list for me?
Yes. On our fully managed tier we track the certificates, protect the deposit, serve the documents and keep the renewal diary. On tenant find we complete the pre-tenancy and move-in items and hand the rest to you with the dates.
Ready to let or sell with Flexiestays?
Tell us about the property and we come back with a rent or price range, what it needs before it goes on the market and our fees in writing.