Begin with one record for each property
Give each property its own file and document index. Record the type of letting and where it is located. Requirements can differ by nation, property type and council scheme, so check the applicable rules rather than copying another landlord’s folder.
Record documents and actions separately
Keep certificates, reports, inspections and relevant tenancy records in the right place. A report can identify work that still needs doing: saving the report does not resolve that work. Record the action, responsible person, target date and evidence of completion separately.
Make dates easy to review
Record the date of the document, the next review or renewal where relevant and who checked it. Keep reminders ahead of the due date and confirm the actual appointment. A reminder is an organisational aid, not confirmation that the property meets its obligations.
Protect the information in the file
Property records can contain occupier details and other personal information. Limit access, share only what is necessary and keep a record of what has been supplied. Avoid uploading identity documents or tenant information to a public enquiry form.
Understand the coming L&M tool
L&M Landlord Compliance is a development product, coming this month in October 2026. Its first release is for self-managing landlords with one to ten ordinary single-household rental properties in England. The website shows fictional development examples, not a launched service. HMOs, other nations and specialist lets are outside this first release.
Join the right list
If your situation fits, request an invitation to a no-card 14-day trial. The trial starts only when you redeem an invitation after launch; no account or payment is created by joining. If your situation is outside the initial scope, you can separately request an email if support changes. The tool organises evidence and reminders; it does not certify legal compliance or replace professional advice.
Put this into practice
Use the checklist below, then follow the relevant route when you are ready.
Join the trial launch listPut it into practice
Your preparation checklist
Use these headings to organise your next steps. This is not a legal assessment or a complete compliance checklist.
| Topic | What to record |
|---|---|
| Document | Type, date and where the current original is stored. |
| Follow-up | Open action, owner and evidence needed to close it. |
| Review | Relevant renewal or review date and person responsible. |
| Access | Who needs the record and what may safely be shared. |
Invented example. Adapt it to your own situation.
Official sources
Sources checked 5 October 2026. Consult the current guidance and qualified advisers for your circumstances.
This is a practical preparation guide. Decisions about a particular property should be made with relevant qualified advisers and current information.