Check the current rules before you list
Rental law changed in 2026, and older checklists can become stale quickly. Before advertising, check current GOV.UK guidance and take professional advice if your property has unusual circumstances.
This article is a practical starting point for England-focused checks, with reminders for landlords to verify the latest rules before a tenant moves in.
Property safety and energy documents
A rental advert should not race ahead of compliance. Make sure the property can legally and safely be offered before you spend money on portal exposure.
- EPC: check the current certificate and rating before marketing.
- Gas safety: arrange annual checks where gas appliances or flues are present.
- Electrical safety: check current inspection requirements and remedial work.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: confirm current requirements for the property type.
- Furniture and appliance safety: check any landlord-supplied items.
Right to rent and fair selection
In England, landlords must check the right to rent before the tenancy starts. GOV.UK provides an online service for share-code checks at check a tenant right to rent.
Selection must also be fair. Avoid wording or filtering that discriminates against applicants with children, applicants receiving benefits or protected characteristics.
Deposits and written information
If you take a tenancy deposit, it usually needs to be protected in an approved scheme within the required time limit. GOV.UK explains the general deposit protection rules at tenancy deposit protection.
After the Renters Rights Act changes, landlords should check current written information requirements rather than relying on old document names or old possession-notice checklists.
Advertising details that affect compliance
Make rent, deposit, availability, property type and any criteria clear. Avoid fees or conditions that could conflict with tenant-fee rules.
PropertyAdverts helps you advertise, but the landlord remains responsible for legal readiness. Use the landlord route once the compliance basics are in order.
How to use this before you advertise
Use this guide as a pre-advertising check, not as a substitute for current legal advice. Landlords have to balance speed, compliance and applicant quality, especially when rules or tenant expectations change.
A fixed-fee advert can reduce marketing cost, but it does not remove the landlord responsibilities around safety, fair selection, tenancy paperwork or ongoing management. Keep those decisions separate from the advert package itself.
- Check current GOV.UK guidance where the topic involves legal duties.
- Prepare compliance documents before you accept a tenant.
- Use enquiry quality and referencing evidence rather than guesswork.
- Use the landlord route when the property is ready to advertise.
Common landlord questions
Should I check this before advertising?
Yes. If landlord legal checklist affects legal readiness, rent, tenant selection or paperwork, check it before you accept an applicant. Advertising is faster when the landlord is prepared.
Does PropertyAdverts replace landlord legal advice?
No. PropertyAdverts supports advertising, enquiries and optional tenant services. Landlords remain responsible for legal compliance, property safety and choosing a suitable tenancy process.
Can I add tenant services after the advert?
Yes. Referencing and tenancy tools are most useful once there is a serious applicant. Keeping them separate from the advert helps you avoid paying for extras too early.
What if the rules change again?
Check current GOV.UK guidance before relying on old templates or old advice. Rental rules have changed recently, so stale checklists can create risk.
Where should I go next?
If Landlord legal checklist before advertising a rental answers your planning question, prepare the advert details and choose the landlord package that gives the portal reach you need.
Advertising soon? Prepare the legal basics first, then choose the fixed-fee package through PropertyAdverts landlords.