Compliance
Harrogate Landlord Compliance Checklist
A practical reference for Harrogate landlords covering the key legal and regulatory requirements for residential lettings in England.
This checklist is general guidance for landlords in England and may not cover every situation. Legislation changes regularly. Always check official guidance at gov.uk or take professional legal or property advice before letting a property.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- EPC must be rating E or above to let legally in England
- Certificate must be provided to prospective tenants before they sign
- EPC is valid for 10 years from date of assessment
- Check if your property qualifies for exemption (some heritage properties may)
Gas safety
- Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Gas safety certificate given to tenants within 28 days of check
- Certificate given to new tenants before they move in
- Keep records for at least two years
Electrical safety (EICR)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) required for all new tenancies
- EICR must be carried out every 5 years or when directed by the report
- Copy given to tenants before or at the start of tenancy
- Remedial works required within 28 days if C1 or C2 issues identified
Deposit protection
- Deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
- Prescribed information (scheme details, rules) given to tenants within 30 days
- Failure to protect can result in penalties of 1-3 times the deposit amount
- Approved schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, TDS
Right to Rent checks
- All tenants aged 18+ must have their right to rent in England checked
- Check must happen before the tenancy starts
- Keep copies of documents checked for the duration of tenancy plus one year
- Repeat checks required for tenants on time-limited permission to be in the UK
Prescribed information and tenancy agreement
- Written tenancy agreement required (Assured Shorthold Tenancy for most residential lets)
- How to Rent guide given to tenant at start of tenancy
- EPC, gas safety certificate and deposit protection prescribed information all required
- Keep copies of all documents served
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Working smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation
- Carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (not cooking appliances)
- Test alarms at the start of every tenancy
- Landlord responsible for repair or replacement when notified of fault
HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licence required if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share facilities
- Additional or selective licensing may apply in some local authority areas — check with Harrogate Borough Council / North Yorkshire Council
- HMO regulations include room sizes, facilities and management requirements
Before advertising checklist
- Valid EPC in place
- Gas safety certificate in date
- EICR carried out and in date
- Any required HMO licence obtained
- Rent clearly stated (inclusive or exclusive of bills)
- Address and property type accurate
Before move-in checklist
- Tenancy agreement signed by all parties
- Deposit protected and prescribed information served
- How to Rent guide given to tenant
- All certificates and documents given to tenant
- Inventory and schedule of condition completed and signed
- Standing orders or payment method set up
- Keys and meter readings handed over
Important reminder
This checklist covers common requirements only. Local licensing requirements, heritage property rules and individual tenancy circumstances may alter what applies to you. Always confirm with official sources or professional advice.