Being a landlord involves more than collecting rent and keeping a property in good condition. There are rules covering everything from deposits and safety checks to tenancy documents and how a landlord can regain possession.
The difficulty is that these requirements do not stand still. Rental legislation continues to change, and something that worked for a previous tenancy may not be enough for the next one. Here are some of the compliance mistakes landlords should be particularly careful to avoid.
Related: From Notice to Possession: Mullucks’ Step-by-Step Guide to Ending Tenancies after May 2026
Missing important safety checks
A rental property needs to meet a range of safety requirements. Depending on the property and circumstances, this can include gas safety checks, electrical inspections, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. These are not simply jobs to complete when a tenant first moves in. Some checks need to be renewed at set intervals, while repairs and maintenance issues may require action during the tenancy. Keeping a clear record of inspections, certificates and renewal dates can make it much easier to stay on top of these responsibilities.
Getting deposit protection wrong
Taking a tenancy deposit comes with legal responsibilities. For most assured tenancies in England, the deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it. The tenant must also receive the required prescribed information within the same timeframe.
A common mistake is assuming that protecting the money itself is enough. Missing the paperwork or the deadline can also create problems. Keeping evidence of when the deposit was received, protected and when the information was provided gives landlords a useful compliance trail.
Relying on old tenancy processes
The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the way private renting works in England. Since 1 May 2026, assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by a system of periodic assured tenancies, and Section 21 evictions have been abolished. Landlords who need possession must now use the appropriate Section 8 ground and follow the correct process for their circumstances. This makes accurate records particularly important. Tenancy documents, rent records and relevant correspondence can all become important if possession is required later.
Using the wrong process to increase rent
Rent increases also follow a clearer legal process under the new system. Landlords cannot simply rely on a rent review clause written into an old tenancy agreement. For assured tenancies covered by the new rules, increases generally need to follow the Section 13 procedure, using the prescribed form and giving the tenant the required notice. Rent can normally only be increased once in a 12-month period. Tenants can also challenge a proposed increase at the First-tier Tribunal if they believe it is above the market rate.
Letting paperwork fall behind
Compliance is often less about one major mistake and more about a small document being missed. Deposit information, safety certificates, tenancy records and other required information all need to be handled correctly. A simple compliance calendar can help. Rather than relying on memory, landlords can record key dates for inspections, certificates, rent reviews and other requirements. For landlords with several properties, having one system for every tenancy can make an even bigger difference.
Treating tenant selection like it used to work
The rules around advertising and choosing tenants have also changed. Landlords and agents must not encourage or accept offers above the advertised rent, bringing an end to rental bidding. Blanket discrimination against prospective tenants because they have children or receive benefits is also prohibited. Decisions still need to be made carefully, but application processes and advertising should reflect the rules now in place.
Related: How new tenant protections affect buy-to-let investors
Leaving compliance until something goes wrong
Perhaps the biggest mistake is treating compliance as something to check only at the start of a tenancy or when a problem appears. Good property management is ongoing. Requirements change, certificates expire and new responsibilities can come into force while a property is already occupied. Regularly reviewing each tenancy can help catch gaps before they become more difficult to resolve. For landlords balancing property management with work, family or a wider portfolio, professional support can also remove much of the day-to-day administration.
Keep your property management on track
Good compliance protects more than paperwork. It can help safeguard the property, support a better relationship with tenants and reduce the risk of costly problems later.
Mullucks can support landlords with the day-to-day management of their rental properties, helping them keep on top of changing responsibilities and important tenancy requirements. Contact your local Mullucks team to discuss your property and find out how our property management services could help.
