Common landlord questions, answered
Short, plain answers to the questions landlords search for most.
- How long does a gas safety certificate last?
- How often does a landlord need an electrical safety certificate (EICR)?
- How much deposit can a landlord take?
- How often can a landlord increase the rent?
- Do I need a licence to rent out my property?
How long does a gas safety certificate last?
A landlord gas safety record lasts 12 months. You must have every gas appliance, fitting and flue checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least once a year, give the tenant a copy within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in.
You can have the check done up to two months before the deadline and keep the original renewal date, so you don't lose any time. Keep each record for at least two years.
More detail: Every certificate a landlord needs
How often does a landlord need an electrical safety certificate (EICR)?
At least every five years, or sooner if the previous report says so. The inspection must be done by a qualified electrician, and you must give the tenant a copy within 28 days, give new tenants a copy before they move in, and give the council a copy within seven days if they ask for one.
If the report finds anything that needs fixing, you normally have 28 days to get it repaired.
More detail: Every certificate a landlord needs
How much deposit can a landlord take?
For most tenancies, no more than five weeks' rent. If the annual rent is £50,000 or more, the limit is six weeks' rent. A holding deposit to reserve a property is capped at one week's rent.
You must protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and give the tenant the prescribed information about the scheme within the same 30 days.
More detail: Free landlord compliance checklist
How often can a landlord increase the rent?
In England, once a year. Under the Renters' Rights Act you raise the rent by serving a section 13 notice, giving the tenant at least two months' notice of the new amount. Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements no longer apply.
A tenant who thinks the new rent is above the market rate can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal, so it's worth basing any increase on what similar homes nearby let for.
More detail: Renters' Rights Act: what landlords need to know
Do I need a licence to rent out my property?
It depends on the property and the council. A licence is always needed for a large HMO, meaning five or more people from two or more households sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Many councils also run additional licensing, which covers smaller HMOs, or selective licensing, which covers all rented homes in certain areas. This is common in London.
Check your council's website before you let. Letting without a licence you need can lead to a large fine and an order to repay rent to your tenants.
More detail: Every certificate a landlord needs
Rather not keep track of all this? Full management and guaranteed rent take care of it for you.
Get a free valuationGeneral information for landlords in England, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 12 October 2026.
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