Ref: HMO landlords in England - Compliance

Hi

Ref: HMO landlords in England - Compliance

For an HMO property in England, landlords should ensure tenants receive all statutory and tenancy-related documents required under housing law and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 reforms from 1 May 2026.

The exact documents can vary depending on the type of HMO, whether a deposit is taken, whether utilities are included, and whether the tenancy existed before or after 1 May 2026.

The main documents landlords should provide to each HMO tenant are:

1. A written tenancy agreement or written statement of terms
2. The official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
3. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) where gas is installed
4. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
5. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
6. Deposit Prescribed Information and deposit scheme certificate (if a deposit is taken)
7. Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm information
8. HMO licence details where the property requires licensing
9. Prescribed landlord and agent contact details under section 48 Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
10. Privacy notice/data protection information where tenant data is processed
11. Emergency contact and repair reporting details
12. Inventory and schedule of condition (strongly recommended)
13. Right to Rent information/check confirmation
14. House rules for shared accommodation
15. Refuse collection and communal area guidance
16. Fire safety and escape procedure information
17. Details of who is responsible for utility bills and council tax
18. Any guarantor agreement copy where applicable

From 1 May 2026, new tenants must receive written information explaining the key terms of the tenancy before the tenancy is agreed. Existing tenants with written agreements must receive the official Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.

For HMOs specifically, landlords should also provide clear information about shared areas, cleaning obligations, refuse arrangements, fire exits, and reporting maintenance issues because local authorities increasingly expect proper management standards for licensed HMOs.

Where a deposit is taken, the prescribed information and deposit protection details must normally be served within 30 days of receipt of the deposit. Gas safety certificates should be renewed annually and EICRs every 5 years. EPCs must usually be valid and available to tenants.

Under the new tenancy regime after 1 May 2026, most tenancies become periodic assured tenancies and landlords can no longer rely on Section 21 notices. Proper compliance records and proof of service of documents are now even more important for possession proceedings and local authority enforcement.

British Landlords Association

Legal Team

Peter Ross