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LANDLORD COMPLIANCE

Landlord Compliance in Teesside

Landlord compliance involves a range of legal, safety, property and documentation responsibilities. Keeping everything up to date helps protect your tenants, your property and your position as a landlord.

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At TS Landlords, we help landlords across Teesside understand and manage their ongoing landlord compliance responsibilities, from safety certificates and inspections to licensing, documentation and property standards.

Landlord Compliance Checklist: The Key Areas to Know

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SAFETY & CERTIFICATES

Gas Safety / CP12 EICR EPC Smoke Alarms Carbon Monoxide Alarms

PROPERTY CONDITION

Property Inspections Repairs & Maintenance Damp & Mould HHSRS Fire Safety

LICENSING

HMO Licensing Selective Licensing Additional Licensing

TENANCY & DOCUMENTATION

Deposit Protection Right to Rent Inventories Tenant Referencing Prescribed Information

Safety & Certificates

GAS SAFETY / CP12

What is required?

If your property has gas appliances, pipework or a gas boiler, landlords have responsibilities for gas safety. A Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out the required safety checks and provide the appropriate Gas Safety Record.

Who does it apply to?

Generally, landlords who provide rented residential accommodation with gas appliances or installations.

When does it need completing?

A Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out a gas safety check every 12 months. Give existing tenants a copy of the record within 28 days of the check and new tenants a copy before they move in.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep each Gas Safety Record until two further checks have been carried out, along with records of relevant gas safety work and remedial action.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to meet gas safety responsibilities can create serious safety risks and may result in enforcement action and other legal consequences.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords keep gas safety requirements organised and ensure relevant documentation is tracked as part of property management.

EICR – ELECTRICAL SAFETY

What is required?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the condition and safety of the electrical installation at a rental property. Where remedial work is identified, landlords may need to arrange the required work.

Who does it apply to?

Residential landlords covered by the applicable electrical safety requirements.

When does it need completing?

The electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so. Tenants must receive a copy within 28 days, and any required remedial work must be completed within 28 days or any shorter period stated.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep the EICR and records of any electrical remedial work or further investigation.

What happens if you do not comply?

Non-compliance can result in enforcement action and financial penalties, as well as creating potential safety risks for tenants.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help arrange and track electrical inspections and keep compliance records organised.

EPC – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE

What is required?

Most properties being rented or marketed for letting require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Under the minimum energy efficiency standard, most privately rented homes must be rated E or above unless a valid exemption is registered.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords and properties covered by the applicable energy performance requirements.

When does it need completing?

An EPC must be available when the property is marketed and given to prospective tenants. A certificate is valid for 10 years.

What records should landlords retain?

Landlords should retain the EPC and relevant exemption documentation where an exemption applies.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to meet applicable EPC requirements can result in enforcement action and may affect the ability to lawfully market or let a property.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords keep EPC information up to date and identify when certificates need attention.

SMOKE ALARMS

What is required?

At least one smoke alarm must be installed on every storey of the property used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords of residential rental properties covered by the applicable smoke alarm requirements.

When does it need completing?

Alarms must be working on the first day of each new tenancy and must be repaired or replaced once a tenant reports a fault.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of relevant checks, installations and remedial work.

What happens if you do not comply?

Local authorities can take enforcement action where applicable requirements are not met.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords include alarm checks within property inspections and maintenance processes.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

What is required?

A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner (gas cookers are excluded).

Who does it apply to?

Landlords whose properties fall within the relevant carbon monoxide alarm requirements.

When does it need completing?

Required alarms should be installed and checked in accordance with the applicable rules.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of installation, checks and any replacement or remedial work.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to meet applicable requirements can lead to enforcement action and potential safety risks.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords keep alarm checks and maintenance within their property management processes.

Property Condition

PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

What is required?

Regular property inspections help landlords identify maintenance issues, damage, safety concerns and potential compliance problems.

Who does it apply to?

All landlords can benefit from an appropriate inspection process, with frequency depending on the property and circumstances.

When does it need completing?

Inspections should be carried out periodically and when there is a reasonable need to check the property's condition, while respecting the tenant's legal rights.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep dated inspection reports, photographs where appropriate, repair requests and records of follow-up action.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failing to monitor a property can allow maintenance and safety issues to develop and become more expensive to resolve.

How TS Landlords can help

Our property management service can coordinate inspections and follow up on issues identified.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

What is required?

Landlords have responsibilities for keeping rental properties and relevant installations in a safe and properly maintained condition. This includes assessing and controlling the risk of legionella in the water system.

Who does it apply to?

Residential landlords, subject to the specific responsibilities applying to the property and tenancy.

When does it need completing?

Repairs should be dealt with within an appropriate timeframe based on their nature and urgency.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of reported issues, contractor visits, invoices, photographs and completed repairs.

What happens if you do not comply?

Poor maintenance can result in safety problems, tenant complaints, enforcement action and potentially increased repair costs.

How TS Landlords can help

We can coordinate maintenance requests, contractors and follow-up work on behalf of landlords.

DAMP & MOULD

What is required?

Landlords should take reports of damp and mould seriously and investigate the underlying cause rather than simply treating visible mould.

Who does it apply to?

All landlords where damp, mould or related property condition issues arise.

When does it need completing?

Issues should be investigated and addressed promptly, particularly where they may affect tenant health, safety or the condition of the property.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of tenant reports, inspections, investigations, photographs, contractor reports and remedial work.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to address serious property condition issues can lead to complaints, enforcement action and potential legal consequences.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help coordinate inspections, identify maintenance issues and arrange appropriate remedial work.

HHSRS – HOUSING HEALTH AND SAFETY RATING SYSTEM

What is required?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used to assess potential hazards in residential properties and the risks they may pose to occupants.

Who does it apply to?

It is relevant to residential properties and landlords where housing hazards need to be assessed.

When does it need completing?

Properties should be maintained so that significant hazards are identified and appropriately addressed.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of inspections, identified hazards, risk assessments and remedial work.

What happens if you do not comply?

Local authorities can take enforcement action where serious hazards are identified.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords identify and address property condition issues through inspections and maintenance management.

FIRE SAFETY

What is required?

Landlords must consider applicable fire safety requirements and ensure the property has appropriate measures in place.

Who does it apply to?

Residential landlords, with specific requirements depending on the type and use of the property.

When does it need completing?

Fire safety measures should be checked and maintained throughout the tenancy.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep records of relevant checks, inspections, equipment servicing and remedial work.

What happens if you do not comply?

Fire safety failures can create serious risks and may result in enforcement action.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords monitor fire safety requirements and coordinate relevant inspections and maintenance.

Licensing

HMO LICENSING

What is required?

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) let to five or more people from two or more households who share facilities need a mandatory licence. Smaller HMOs may need one where a council runs additional licensing.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords operating properties that meet the relevant HMO licensing criteria.

When does it need completing?

A required licence should be obtained before operating a property that requires licensing and kept valid in accordance with its conditions.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep the licence, application information, inspection records and relevant compliance documentation.

What happens if you do not comply?

Operating a licensable HMO without the required licence can lead to significant enforcement action and financial penalties.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords understand applicable licensing requirements and manage compliance responsibilities.

SELECTIVE LICENSING

What is required?

Some local authorities designate areas where privately rented properties require a selective licence. In Teesside, Middlesbrough Council currently runs selective licensing in parts of Newport ward, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council runs a scheme covering parts of Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown until 31 October 2029. Check your exact address with the council.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords operating properties within an area covered by a selective licensing designation, subject to the applicable rules.

When does it need completing?

Where a property requires a selective licence, landlords should apply within the required timeframe and comply with licence conditions.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep the licence, application documentation and records demonstrating compliance with its conditions.

What happens if you do not comply?

Operating without a required licence can result in enforcement action and financial penalties.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords identify licensing requirements relevant to their rental properties across Teesside.

ADDITIONAL LICENSING

What is required?

Local authorities can introduce additional licensing schemes for certain HMOs that fall outside mandatory licensing requirements.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords whose properties fall within an additional licensing designation.

When does it need completing?

Where an additional licensing scheme applies, the landlord must obtain the required licence and comply with its conditions.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep licensing documents, inspection records and evidence of compliance with licence conditions.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to obtain a required licence can result in enforcement action and financial penalties.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords understand local licensing requirements and keep relevant documentation organised.

Tenancy & Documentation

DEPOSIT PROTECTION

What is required?

Where a tenancy deposit is taken, landlords must comply with the applicable tenancy deposit protection requirements and provide tenants with the required information.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords taking deposits for tenancies covered by the relevant deposit protection rules.

When does it need completing?

The deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme, and the prescribed information given to the tenant, within 30 days of receiving it.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep evidence of deposit protection, prescribed information and relevant tenancy documentation.

What happens if you do not comply?

Non-compliance can create financial and legal consequences and may affect possession proceedings.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords keep deposit records and required documentation organised.

RIGHT TO RENT

What is required?

Landlords and letting agents must carry out Right to Rent checks on every adult who will live in the property as their only or main home, where the rules apply.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords and agents letting residential property in England, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.

When does it need completing?

The appropriate checks must be completed at the required stage before the tenancy begins, with follow-up checks where applicable.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep evidence of the checks and relevant documentation for the required period.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to carry out required checks can result in penalties and other legal consequences.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords incorporate Right to Rent checks into the tenant onboarding process.

INVENTORIES

What is required?

An inventory records the condition and contents of a property at the beginning of a tenancy and can provide useful evidence when the tenancy ends.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords and agents managing furnished or unfurnished rental properties can benefit from a detailed inventory.

When does it need completing?

An inventory should be prepared before or at the start of the tenancy and checked appropriately when the tenancy ends.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep signed inventory documents, photographs and check-in and check-out records.

What happens if you do not comply?

Without good condition records, it can be more difficult to establish the condition of the property or support claims for damage.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords arrange professional inventory and property condition documentation.

TENANT REFERENCING

What is required?

Tenant referencing helps landlords assess prospective tenants using appropriate information such as identity, affordability and rental history.

Who does it apply to?

Landlords and letting agents selecting tenants for residential rental properties.

When does it need completing?

Referencing should normally be completed before a tenancy is agreed.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep relevant referencing information and records in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

What happens if you do not comply?

Poor tenant selection processes can increase the risk of rent arrears, tenancy problems and other management issues.

How TS Landlords can help

We can manage tenant finding and referencing as part of our residential landlord services.

PRESCRIBED INFORMATION

What is required?

Prescribed Information refers to information that landlords may be required to provide to tenants in connection with certain legal and tenancy requirements.

Who does it apply to?

The specific requirements depend on the relevant legislation and circumstances of the tenancy.

When does it need completing?

Deposit prescribed information must be given within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Since 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 also requires landlords to give new tenants written information about the key terms before the tenancy is agreed. See our Landlord Regulations page.

What records should landlords retain?

Keep copies of the information provided and evidence of when and how it was provided.

What happens if you do not comply?

Failure to provide required information can have legal consequences and may affect a landlord's ability to rely on certain legal processes.

How TS Landlords can help

We can help landlords keep tenancy documentation organised and identify areas where compliance records need attention.

Need Help Managing Landlord Compliance?

Keeping track of certificates, inspections, licences, documentation and property responsibilities can become time-consuming — particularly when you own multiple rental properties.

TS Landlords provides professional landlord services across Teesside, helping landlords manage their properties while keeping important landlord compliance responsibilities organised.

Whether you need help with property management, inspections, maintenance, tenant management or compliance, our team can help.

Get Free Landlord Compliance Contact TS Landlords