As a landlord, it’s essential to understand your legal obligations and responsibilities towards your tenants. Providing a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained living space is not only good practice but also a legal requirement. Let’s explore what you should legally provide to your tenants in the UK:
1. Essential Documents and Information
1.1 How to Rent Guide
- Requirement: Your landlord or letting agent must provide you with a copy of the ‘How to rent’ guide.
- Purpose: This guide outlines essential information for tenants, including their rights, responsibilities, and the rental process.
- Access: You can find the latest version of the guide on the GOV.UK website.
1.2 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Requirement: Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property.
- Purpose: The EPC rates the property’s energy efficiency and provides recommendations for improvement.
- Access: Obtain the EPC from your landlord or check the EPC Register online.
1.3 Deposit Protection
- Requirement: Landlords must protect tenants’ deposits in a government-approved scheme.
- Purpose: Deposit protection ensures that tenants receive their deposit back at the end of the tenancy, provided they meet the terms of the agreement.
- Options: Common schemes include the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
1.4 Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) Agreement
Requirement: From 1 May 2026, Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) have been abolished. All new and existing tenancies now operate as Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs). Landlords must provide tenants with a written APT agreement.
Purpose: The APT sets out the terms of the tenancy, including rent, responsibilities, and how the rolling, open‑ended contract works. It ensures both landlord and tenant understand their rights under the updated legislation.
Details: The agreement should clearly cover:
- Rent amount and how it is paid
- Notice periods (tenants must now give 2 months’ notice)
- Rent increase rules (limited to once per year)
- Maintenance responsibilities for both parties
- How disputes or repairs should be handled
1.5 Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
Requirement: Landlords must provide tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. This is a legal requirement for any assured or former assured shorthold tenancy created before 1 May 2026 that has a written record of terms.
Purpose: The Information Sheet explains how a tenant’s rights and tenancy are affected by the changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. It helps tenants understand the new rules around notice periods, rent increases, evictions, and how the new Assured Periodic Tenancy system works.
Details:
- You must give the exact PDF downloaded from GOV.UK — not a link.
- It must be provided by 31 May 2026, or landlords may face fines of up to £7,000.
- It can be delivered as a printed copy or as a PDF attachment via email or text.
- A copy must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
- You do not need to provide it to lodgers.
- If the tenancy was entirely verbal and created before 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet cannot be used — instead, landlords must provide written key terms separately.
2. Safety and Maintenance
2.1 Gas Safety Certificate
- Requirement: If there is gas supplied in the property, landlords must provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate.
- Purpose: Regular gas safety checks ensure the safety of gas appliances and installations.
- Frequency: An annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer is mandatory.
2.2 Electrical Safety
- Requirement: The electrical system and appliances must be safe.
- Consider: Request an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to verify safety.
- Appliances: Ensure appliances provided by the landlord (e.g., cookers, toasters) are also safe.
2.3 Fire Safety
- Requirement: Landlords must provide smoke alarms on each storey of the property.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install one in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.
- Escape Routes: Ensure tenants have access to clear escape routes.
- Fire-Safe Furniture: Furnish the property with fire-safe furniture and furnishings.
3. Additional Considerations
- Leicester City HMO Licensing: If the property is a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), comply with Leicester City Council’s licensing requirements.
- PAT Tested Appliances: While not mandatory, consider ensuring appliances (e.g., kettles, irons) are PAT tested for safety.
Remember, maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship and adhering to legal requirements contribute to a successful tenancy.