UK Landlord — Additional Compliance Duties
Amanda tracks several landlord safety obligations as dedicated items. This page covers the remaining compliance duties that do not have their own tracker.
Amanda flags these topics for awareness. Amanda does not verify or manage individual landlord obligations.
Tracked separately
The following landlord duties have their own dedicated help pages and reminders in Amanda:
Tenancy deposit protection
In England and Wales, if you take a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
- Three approved schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, TDS
- Failure to protect a deposit can result in penalties of 1–3 times the deposit amount
- You cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice if the deposit is not protected
Prescribed information
When protecting a deposit, landlords must also serve the tenant with prescribed information within 30 days. This is a separate legal requirement from the deposit protection itself.
- Details of the scheme used, how to apply for release, and the landlord's contact information
- Must be served in the form required by the relevant scheme
- Failure to serve prescribed information also prevents a valid Section 21 notice
Right to Rent (England only)
In England, landlords must check that tenants have the right to rent in the UK before a tenancy begins. This applies to all new tenancies.
- Check original identity documents or use the Home Office online checking service
- Keep copies of documents for the duration of the tenancy and 1 year after
- Follow-up checks are required for tenants with time-limited right to rent
This requirement currently applies in England only, not Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
How to Rent guide (England only)
In England, landlords must provide tenants with the government's How to Rent checklist at the start of a new assured shorthold tenancy.
- The latest version must be provided — an outdated copy is not valid
- Can be sent by email if the tenant has previously communicated by email
- A valid Section 21 notice cannot be served without this
Property licensing
Some rental properties require a licence from the local authority:
- Mandatory HMO licensing: properties with 5+ tenants from 2+ households sharing facilities
- Additional HMO licensing: some councils extend requirements to smaller HMOs
- Selective licensing: some councils require all private rented properties in designated areas to be licensed
Check with your local council whether your property requires a licence. Penalties for letting without a required licence can be significant.
Legionella risk assessment
Landlords have a duty to assess and manage the risk of legionella bacteria in their property's water system.
- A simple risk assessment is usually sufficient for most domestic properties
- Ensure water is not stored at temperatures that allow bacteria to grow (20–45 °C)
- The HSE publishes guidance for landlords on legionella control
Furniture and furnishings fire safety
If you let a furnished property, all upholstered furniture and soft furnishings you supply must meet fire safety regulations.
- Items must carry a permanent compliance label
- Covers sofas, beds, mattresses, cushions, pillows, and similar items
- Antiques made before 1950 and certain other items are exempt
Portable appliance testing (PAT)
PAT testing of electrical appliances you provide is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended as part of your duty of care.
- Applies to appliances you supply with the property (kettle, toaster, washing machine, etc.)
- Helps demonstrate you have taken reasonable steps to ensure tenant safety
- Many letting agents and insurers expect it
What Amanda helps you understand
- That additional landlord compliance duties exist beyond safety certificates
- The main categories of obligation you should be aware of
- Why this was flagged (you own and rent out UK property)
Amanda does not track individual compliance items or deadlines for these duties. For specific requirements, check your local council or consult a letting agent or property solicitor.
Official sources
- Renting out your property — GOV.UK
- Private renting — GOV.UK