Building upon the foundational disclosure requirements of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (which commenced on 30 October 1985), the Renters' Rights Act 2025 establishes a rigorous compliance framework for the private rented sector. While the Renters' Rights Act, effective from 1 May 2026, abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, failure to provide mandatory documents remains a serious offence actionable under the Act's enhanced penalty regime.

Mandatory Compliance Documents

1. Landlord Identity and Service Address

Under Section 1 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, tenants have a legal right to request the landlord's name and address. If requested in writing, the landlord (or their agent) must provide this within 21 days. Furthermore, Section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 requires landlords to provide tenants with an address in England or Wales where notices may be served. Rent is not legally due until this information is provided.

2. The "How to Rent" Guide

Pursuant to Section 33 of the Deregulation Act 2015, landlords must provide the latest version of the government's "How to Rent: the checklist for renting in England" booklet at the start of every new tenancy. This must be the edition current at the time of service and can be provided as a hard copy or via email (if the tenant has consented to electronic service).

3. Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet

By 31 May 2026, all private landlords with existing tenancies created before 1 May 2026 must provide their tenants with the official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.

• It must be the exact PDF published by the Government; providing a hyperlink is insufficient for valid service.
• This requirement ensures all tenants are informed of their new rights following the 1 May 2026 reform.
• Failure to provide this sheet by the deadline can result in civil penalties of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for serious or repeated offences under the new enforcement powers.

4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

In accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, every rental property must have a valid EPC. Under the MEES Regulations 2015, the property must have a rating of E or above. The certificate must be provided to the tenant free of charge before the tenancy begins.

5. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

If the property has gas appliances, the landlord must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. This requires an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy of the current Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the check, and before the tenant moves in for new tenancies.

6. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected every 5 years. A copy of the EICR must be provided to new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

7. Tenancy Deposit Prescribed Information

If a deposit is taken, the landlord must protect it in a government-authorised scheme and provide the tenant with prescribed information (as required by Section 213 of the Housing Act 2004) within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

8. Right to Rent Checks

Under Section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014, landlords must conduct Right to Rent checks on all adult occupants before the tenancy starts to verify their legal right to live in the UK.

[!CAUTION] Penalties for Non-Compliance: Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, local authorities have enhanced enforcement powers. Landlords who fail to comply with disclosure obligations face fines of up to £7,000 for initial breaches, rising to £40,000 for repeated or serious offences.

Centralise Your Compliance Documents

Tracking annual Gas Safety renewals, 5-year EICR cycles, and EPC validity across a property portfolio is a logistical nightmare. Landager centralises every compliance certificate, automatically flags upcoming renewal deadlines, and ensures the correct version of the "How to Rent" guide is always attached.

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