Why landlord compliance matters
UK landlords face a demanding regulatory environment. Penalties for MEES breaches can reach £30,000, while unlicensed HMOs can lead to rent-repayment orders covering up to 12 months of rent. Compliance is not a tick-box exercise; it is the foundation of a defensible, profitable letting business. Greater Manchester landlords face additional pressure from selective licensing schemes in parts of Rochdale, Salford and Bolton, where every let property must be registered with the council and meet enhanced standards.
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Every let property in England and Wales must have a valid EPC rated E or above before marketing begins. Certificates last 10 years. Under MEES, sub-E properties cannot lawfully be let — and from 2028 the minimum is expected to rise to C for new tenancies. Fines: up to £30,000 per breach.
- Validity: 10 years
- Minimum rating: E (rising to C by 2028)
- Required: before marketing or letting
- Fine: up to £30,000
2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Mandatory for all rented properties since 2020. Must be 'Satisfactory' (no C1 or C2 codes) and renewed every 5 years or at change of tenancy. Tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection. Fines: up to £30,000 per breach.
- Validity: 5 years (or change of tenancy)
- Must be Satisfactory — no C1 or C2 codes
- Tenant copy within 28 days
- Fine: up to £30,000
3. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
From October 2022, every floor of a let property must have a working smoke alarm, with carbon monoxide alarms installed where the regulations require them. Landlords must test alarms at the start of each new tenancy and replace them promptly if reported faulty.
- Smoke alarm on every floor
- Carbon monoxide alarms where required
- Test at start of every tenancy
4. How to Rent Guide & Right to Rent
Landlords in England must give tenants the latest 'How to Rent' guide before move-in (or with the AST), and must verify every adult occupant's right to rent in the UK before granting a tenancy. Failure to perform Right to Rent checks can lead to civil penalties and criminal sanctions for repeat breaches.
5. Deposit Protection
Any deposit taken on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days of receipt, and the prescribed information served on the tenant. Failure can block a Section 21 notice and lead to a penalty of 1× to 3× the deposit.
6. Selective & HMO Licensing in Greater Manchester
Multiple Greater Manchester boroughs operate selective licensing schemes that require every let property in defined zones to be licensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to 5+ unrelated occupants forming 2+ households across England. Additional and selective HMO licensing schemes vary by borough — always check the council website before letting.
Renewal calendar at a glance
Set diary reminders 30 days before each expiry to avoid coverage gaps. EPC and EICR appointments can be coordinated through our Landlord Compliance Package, with one invoice and centrally managed reminders.