Guides
Plain-English landlord compliance guides
Background, costs and the legal source for every certificate UK landlords need.
Checkatrade vs Bark vs MyBuilder for landlord certificates: 2026 comparison
Honest comparison of the three biggest UK platforms for booking EICR, gas safety, EPC and HMO certificates. Where each shines, where each falls down, and which to pick for which job.
8 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
Tenant deposit protection schemes explained for UK landlords (2026)
Which protection scheme to pick, custodial vs insured, deadlines, what counts as a deposit, and the penalties for getting it wrong.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
PAT
PAT testing for UK landlords: what it is, who needs it, how much it costs
Portable Appliance Testing in plain English: when it is mandatory for HMOs, the recommended cycle for ordinary lets, typical UK cost, and how to book a competent engineer.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
EPC
MEES and the C-rating deadline: what UK landlords should plan for now
The current minimum E rating, the proposed C-rating deadline for new tenancies in 2028, what improvements lift a property from D to C, and how to register an exemption.
7 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
HMO Licence
Selective licensing in 2026: who needs a licence, what councils require, how to apply
Borough-by-borough rules vary, but the framework is the same. Plain-English guide to selective licensing, what triggers it, typical fees, and how to apply.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
EICR
EICR certificates explained: what UK landlords need in 2026
Plain-English guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports: what they are, who needs one, what they cost, and how to book.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
Gas Safety
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) explained for UK landlords
What a CP12 is, why landlords need one every twelve months, how much it costs and how to book a Gas Safe engineer.
5 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
EPC
EPC ratings explained: what UK landlords need to know in 2026
Energy Performance Certificates, the current minimum rating, the proposed C rating deadline, costs, and how to improve a property's EPC.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
HMO Licence
HMO licensing in 2026: rules, fees and council variation
What counts as an HMO, when a licence is mandatory or selective, how fees vary by council, and what the licence conditions actually require.
7 min read · Updated 2026-05-21
Fire Risk
Fire Risk Assessment for UK landlords: who needs one and what is involved
When a Fire Risk Assessment is mandatory, what is checked, typical cost, and how the rules changed under the Building Safety Act and 2023 amendments.
6 min read · Updated 2026-05-21