Your essential guide to property compliance

It is crucial for landlords and property managers to understand the implications of not covering themselves under current property legislation. Our guides clearly outline the potential fines, legal actions, and reputational damage that can arise from failing to meet compliance standards. Protect your investment and your peace of mind by being fully informed.

Our compliance guides focus on legislation within the local councils, particularly relevant when renting property in areas like Derby, United Kingdom. We break down the specific rules and requirements you need to adhere to, ensuring your properties are always in line with local standards. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with CertCheck.

 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which came into force on the 1st May 2026 rolled out new rules and regulations for Landlords.

What this now means for landlords as of 1st May 2026 

Section 21 is abolished  ~ You can no longer use a “no-fault” Section 21 eviction. You need a legal possession ground.

Fixed-term ASTs effectively ended ~ Most existing ASTs converted to rolling assured periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. New tenancies generally cannot have a fixed end date.

Rent increases restricted ~ Generally one rent increase per year, using the prescribed Section 13 process and at least 2 months' notice.

Pets ~ Tenants have stronger rights to request a pet, although landlords can refuse on specific reasonable grounds.

Rental bidding banned ~ Landlords/agents cannot encourage prospective tenants to bid above the advertised rent.

Rent in advance restricted ~ There are new restrictions around demanding large amounts of rent upfront.

Discrimination rules ~ New protections restrict landlords from discriminating against applicants because they receive benefits or have children.

More council enforcement ~ Local authorities have stronger enforcement powers and financial penalties for breaches.

New tenant information ~ Landlords must provide prescribed written information about the tenancy; failure can result in penalties of up to £7,000 in relevant circumstances.

Decent Homes Standard ~ Government is moving towards a strengthened standard for privately rented homes.

Energy efficiency ~ Government is moving towards an EPC C or equivalent standard by 2030 for private rented homes, subject to exemptions and the final implementation arrangements.

The EPC change is particularly important

This could have a big financial impact on landlords.

The government has committed to improving minimum energy-efficiency standards in the private rented sector by 2030. The current minimum for a property covered by MEES is generally E, while the government's direction is towards C or equivalent.

 

The PRS Database 

Is a central government property/landlord register, and the PRS Database means the Private Rented Sector Database is being introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

It is essentially going to become a national register of private landlords and their rental properties in England and all Landlords will need to register to avoid fines.

Importantly, it is not fully operational nationwide yet. The government says the rollout will begin regionally from December 2026, with the service being introduced gradually.

A landlord will have to register themselves and register the properties they rent out. The database is intended to give:

Landlord → Property → Compliance information → Registration status

The government expects the information collected to include things such as:

• Landlord contact details

• Details of joint landlords

• Property address

• Property type

• Number of bedrooms

• Number of households/residents

• Whether the property is occupied

• Whether it is furnished

• Gas safety information

• Electrical safety information

• EPC information 

Is registration compulsory? Yes.

The government's roadmap says registration will be mandatory for PRS landlords, with an annual fee of £65. 

This is important because this isn't an optional accreditation scheme

It is a legal requirement.

Who will be able to see the information?

There are effectively two levels.

Landlords and councils will have access to the relevant database information.

The legislation specifically provides access for local housing authorities, enforcement authorities and other specified public bodies. 

Tenants and prospective tenants will also be able to access certain information. However, not everything submitted by a landlord will necessarily be publicly visible. Regulations will determine exactly what information is made public. 

How can CertCheck assist you?

Certcheck can "Get your properties PRS-ready."

Landlord's simply enter their propertie(s) into CertCheck, and we maintain:

Property
↓
Landlord
↓
EPC
↓
Gas
↓
EICR
↓
Fire safety
↓
Alarms
↓
Licensing
↓
Tenancy documentation
↓
PRS Database registration
↓
Expiry monitoring & reminders

So rather than competing with the government's database, CertCheck becomes the system that helps landlords keep everything in order so they can register and remain compliant.

"Don't wait for the PRS Database to tell you you're missing something. CertCheck tells you first."