Landlords and agents are required to provide tenants certain information and other documents at the start and during tenancies. Failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties, including restrictions on eviction.
- Before Tenancy/Key Handover (Compliance/Safety):
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (minimum E rating).
- 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 eviction notice until the deposit is returned, 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 December 2025.
Renters’ Rights Act Changes
- No-Fault Evictions (Section 21): Abolished.
- 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).
