The Complete Landlord Compliance Checklist for 2025

Why This Checklist Matters

Landlord compliance in England has never been more tightly regulated. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, selective licensing schemes, and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) all place significant obligations on landlords. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to £30,000, prosecution, and difficulty obtaining licences.

This checklist is designed specifically for landlords operating in Manchester and Stockport, where Manchester City Council operates both selective and additional licensing schemes. Use it to audit your properties, track deadlines, and ensure every compliance box is ticked.

Electrical Safety Compliance

The cornerstone of landlord electrical compliance is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Under the 2020 Regulations, all tenancies in the private rented sector must have a valid EICR before a new tenancy begins, and existing tenancies needed one by 1 April 2021.

• Obtain an EICR from a NAPIT or NICEIC-registered contractor
• Ensure the report is dated within the last 5 years
• Provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days
• Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in
• Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested
• Complete any C1 or C2 remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if dangerous)
• Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that remedial work is complete
• Keep all EICRs and remedial documentation for at least 5 years

Fire Safety Requirements

Fire safety obligations for landlords are governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, and HMO-specific legislation.

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance
• Test all alarms at the start of each new tenancy
• Document test results and keep records
• For HMOs: install fire doors, emergency lighting, and a fire detection system
• Provide fire escape routes and ensure they are kept clear
• Display fire safety information for HMO tenants

Manchester Selective Licensing

Manchester City Council operates selective licensing in designated areas. If your property falls within a selective licensing zone, you must obtain a licence before letting. Electrical safety is a mandatory condition of all licences.

• Check if your property is in a selective licensing area on the council website
• Apply for a licence before advertising or letting the property
• Ensure a valid EICR is in place before applying
• Display the licence number in all tenancy adverts
• Renew the licence before expiry — typically every 5 years
• Failure to licence can result in fines up to £20,000 and rent repayment orders

Gas Safety Obligations

While not directly related to electrical work, gas safety is equally critical and often inspected alongside electrical compliance during council audits.

• Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Record before move-in
• Provide existing tenants with a copy within 28 days of the check
• Keep gas safety records for at least 2 years

Document Retention and Record Keeping

Good record keeping is your best defence if a tenant complains or the council investigates. Maintain both physical and digital copies of all compliance documentation.

• Store EICRs, gas safety records, and fire alarm test logs for at least 5 years
• Keep copies of tenant communications about safety matters
• Photograph smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers with dates
• Document any remedial work with receipts and completion certificates
• Use a compliance tracker to monitor renewal dates

Your Compliance Action Plan

Download and print this checklist. Walk through every property you let and mark each item as complete, in progress, or not applicable. For any incomplete items, set a deadline and assign responsibility. Review the checklist quarterly to catch upcoming renewals before they expire.

If you manage multiple properties, consider creating a master spreadsheet with columns for property address, EICR due date, gas safety due date, licensing renewal date, and fire alarm test date. This simple tool can save you thousands in penalties and protect your tenants.