Free tool
Landlord compliance deadline checker
HouseFile can read the expiry date from a photo or scan of each certificate, then remind you before it runs out.
Every property gets its own file, with a reminder before any certificate expires. When you share documents with your tenant, you'll see when they open each one.
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What this checker covers
Each requirement runs on its own clock: 12 months for the gas check, up to five years for the EICR and ten for the EPC. A deposit must be protected within 30 days, the written statement of terms comes before each tenancy is entered into, and the alarm test on its first day.
The checker works out where each requirement stands today. Anything past its date shows as overdue and anything due within 60 days as due soon, and a certificate you don't have is flagged to check. Your dates stay in your browser and there's no sign-up. The EPC search sends only the postcode and house number.
What changed in 2026
Most of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 tenancy changes started on 1 May 2026, for existing tenancies too. Assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies and Section 21 ended. The gas record, EPC and How to Rent guide only ever mattered for Section 21, so they no longer affect possession. An unprotected deposit still does: the court can't make a possession order on most grounds until you put it right, and your tenant can claim one to three times the deposit.
The How to Rent guide was withdrawn the same day. Tenancies with written terms that began before then needed the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, and new tenancies need a written statement of terms. If your tenancy pack still has the old guide, it's out of date.
Two changes are still to come. The Private Rented Sector Database opens on 15 December 2026 and becomes compulsory region by region, and the landlord Ombudsman is expected in 2028. The checker shows both as upcoming, because your database deadline depends on your region and the Ombudsman has no date yet.
England, Wales and Scotland
The rules above are England's. Wales has used occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 since 1 December 2022, each with a written statement, and needs linked, mains-wired smoke alarms. Scotland has private residential tenancies, landlord registration, the Repairing Standard and interlinked alarms. The gas, EICR and EPC intervals match across all three. For a Welsh or Scottish property, the checker notes that the paperwork differs and leaves out England-only rules.
Keeping on top of the dates
A one-off check shows where you stand today. The harder part is noticing a date coming up while your mind is elsewhere. If there's ever a dispute, you'll also need to show your tenant received each document.
Common questions
How often does a landlord gas safety certificate need renewing?
Every 12 months, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Existing tenants get a copy within 28 days of the check, and new tenants before they move in. A check in the two months before the deadline keeps your renewal date the same.
How long is an EICR valid for in a rental property?
Five years, unless the report gives an earlier date. Remedial work or further investigation it calls for is due within 28 days, or sooner if the report says, and you confirm it in writing to the tenant and council within 28 days of finishing.
What are the landlord legal requirements in 2026?
In England: an EPC rated E or above, a gas safety check every 12 months, an EICR at least every five years, a smoke alarm on each storey with living space, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. Protect any deposit and give the prescribed information within 30 days, check each adult’s Right to Rent, and give a written statement of terms before each new tenancy.
Do I still need to give tenants the How to Rent guide?
No. It was withdrawn on 1 May 2026. Tenancies with written terms that began before then needed the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, and new tenancies need a written statement of terms.
When do landlords have to register on the Private Rented Sector Database?
You can register from 15 December 2026, wherever the property is. Registering becomes compulsory region by region from that day, starting with the West Midlands, with three months for each region. The last deadline is 14 November 2027. It costs £65 per property per year. After your deadline, letting an unregistered property risks a penalty of up to £7,000. The Renters’ Rights Act also stops a court making a possession order while a property is unregistered, except on Grounds 7A and 14 for anti-social behaviour. The government hasn’t yet said when that part starts.