Guides & downloads

A checklist of the safety records, tenancy documents and licensing information landlords in England need to organise. Check the relevant commencement dates for new rules.

The official government guide to assured periodic tenancies, issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This replaced the withdrawn 'How to Rent' checklist on 1 May 2026 and should be served to tenants of all new and converted assured periodic tenancies in England.

The deposit protection deadline, the information tenants must receive and the records landlords should keep.

Information about changes to rental tenancies and tenant rights. Check official guidance to confirm which document must be served for your tenancy.

How to check a tenant’s right to rent, record the check and plan follow-up checks where needed. Includes links to Home Office guidance.

A clear, no-nonsense guide to the Housing Health & Safety Rating System — the 29 hazards councils assess, how Category 1 & 2 ratings work, and the practical steps that keep your property (and your tenants) safe.

Planning permission, fire precautions, shared facilities and licensing considerations when converting a house into a shared rental property (HMO). Local requirements depend on the property and council.

What landlords must repair, how tenants report problems and the records to keep when arranging repairs.

An overview of rental and shared-house licensing in Manchester, the application process and records to prepare. Confirm the scheme for your address with the council.

An overview of Liverpool’s rental and shared-house licensing schemes, application requirements and property records. Confirm the scheme for your address with the council.

The official Housing Health and Safety Rating System guidance published on gov.uk by the (then) Department for Communities and Local Government. The authoritative source on the 29 HHSRS hazards, Category 1 & 2 ratings and landlord responsibilities under the Housing Act 2004.

How electrical safety reports work, what the findings mean and how landlords should arrange inspections and follow-up work.

Fire risk assessments, alarms, doors, escape routes and the records needed for shared houses. Requirements depend on the property and its risk assessment.

The annual gas safety check, who can carry it out and how to keep and share the record with tenants.

A checklist for shops, salons, cafés, workshops and sole traders: risk assessments, fire safety, first aid, accident records, training and additional checks for your work.

The main health and safety regulations, with plain-English summaries and links to official guidance.