England Compliance Checklist

There is no national registration scheme in England yet (as of Oct 2026, see GOV.UK: registration scheme guidance). But you still have legal duties. Tick them off:

London only: 90-night annual limit applies to short-lets of your main home without planning permission.

0 of 10 done

🔥 Safety certificates

Gas safety certificate (annual, by Gas Safe engineer)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (every 5 years)
Smoke alarm on every floor + CO alarm near fuel-burning appliances
Fire risk assessment (written, reviewed regularly)
Furniture meets fire safety regulations (check labels)

📋 Planning & tax

Planning permission checked (especially London 90-night rule, or year-round letting)
Income declared to HMRC (self assessment; platforms report earnings)
Business rates / council tax status confirmed with local council

🛡️ Insurance

Specialist short-let insurance (standard home insurance may not cover paying guests, check your policy)

🔜 Coming: national registration

Watch for England's mandatory registration scheme (GOV.UK guidance; expected March 2027, not yet in force as of Oct 2026)

Official sources behind this checklist

Gas safety (annual check): GOV.UK: HHSRS landlord and agent guide
Electrical safety (EICR every 5 years): GOV.UK: electrical safety standards guidance
Smoke and CO alarms: GOV.UK: HHSRS landlord and agent guide
Fire risk assessment: GOV.UK: fire safety guide for small paying-guest accommodation
London 90-night rule: London Assembly: short-term lets guidance (Deregulation Act 2015, s.44)
Rental income tax: GOV.UK: renting out your property, paying tax
Insurance: Landlord Today: short lets can invalidate standard home insurance
England registration scheme: GOV.UK: delivering a registration scheme for short-term lets

Furniture fire-safety and business-rates items are check-and-confirm actions: verify labels on your furniture and confirm your rating status with your local council.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide, not legal advice. Rules vary by local council. Check with your council and a qualified professional for your specific situation. directbook.uk is not affiliated with the UK Government.

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