Landlords - Not Sure If You're Fully Compliant? You're Not Alone

Rental compliance isn’t the most exciting part of being a landlord… but it’s essential if you want to avoid headaches down the line.

We speak to lots of landlords every week - both self-managed and fully managed – and these 5 questions come up all the time:

Top 5 Compliance Questions We Hear:

1️⃣ Do I need to issue a How to Rent guide every time I renew a tenancy?
👉 Yes, especially if there’s a new version. Always keep proof you’ve sent it a PDF by email works well.

2️⃣ Can I serve notice if I didn’t protect the deposit properly?
👉 Not until it’s protected correctly (with the right info) or returned. This one catches a lot of people out.

3️⃣ Is my EICR still valid after 5 years?
👉 It needs renewing every 5 years unless major electrical work was done in the meantime.

4️⃣ Do I need to change smoke alarm batteries?
👉 You’re responsible at move-in. After that, it’s on the tenant.

5️⃣ Do I need to check Right to Rent again after 12 months?
👉 Only if your tenant has a time-limited visa that’s expiring.

If you’re not 100% sure where you stand, we offer a free local compliance check for Bristol landlords, no strings attached. Just 20 minutes to help give you peace of mind and flag any quick fixes.

Drop us a message if you'd like one, we are only happy to help. 

More Common Compliance Questions from Landlords:

6️⃣ Do I need a written tenancy agreement?
👉 It’s not legally required but strongly advised. Without it, proving terms, rent dates, and responsibilities gets tricky fast.

7️⃣ Can I increase the rent during a fixed term?
👉 Only if your tenancy agreement allows it or if the tenant agrees in writing. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until renewal or use a formal process like a Section 13 notice (if periodic).

8️⃣ Do I need landlord insurance or is regular home insurance enough?
👉 Standard home insurance usually isn’t valid once a property is let. You’ll need a specific landlord policy to cover rental activities.

9️⃣ What documents do I legally need to give tenants before move-in?
👉 At a minimum:

• Valid EPC
• Gas Safety Certificate
• EICR (electrical report)
• How to Rent guide
• Deposit protection information (within 30 days)
  Failing to provide these can make serving notice later very difficult.

🔟 What happens if I don’t register the tenant's deposit in time?
👉 You could face a fine (1–3 x the deposit amount) and won’t be able to serve a valid Section 21 notice until it’s resolved.

1️⃣1️⃣ Do I need to do a Legionella risk assessment?
👉 Yes, it’s a legal requirement. For most standard single lets, a simple low-risk assessment is enough and can often be done yourself, but it must be documented.

1️⃣2️⃣ What if the tenant refuses access for safety checks?
👉 You must show you've made reasonable efforts to gain access (in writing). You can’t force entry, but you’re still legally responsible for compliance.

1️⃣3️⃣ Do I need a licence for my rental property?
👉 It depends on your local council. Some areas (like parts of Bristol) have additional or selective licensing schemes. Worth double-checking with your council.

If you would like a compliance check, contact us via this link:

https://personaleconomypartners.com/landing/book-a-clarity-call