For landlords who live outside the UK
Your agent manages it. But is everything done?
When you let a home in England, the law puts the duty on you, the owner, even with a good agent. From 15 December 2026, England's new landlord register adds one more thing to get right. Here's a calm way to check that every certificate and record is in place, and in your hands.
Free during our launch · English, 繁體中文, 简体中文 · A hub, not an agent
Why this matters to owners abroad
You stay legally responsible.
You can let your agent add tenancy and safety information to the register, but the landlord stays legally responsible, and must start the registration and pay.
You need an address in England or Wales.
The register asks for a correspondence address there. Overseas landlords aren't exempt.
The rules follow the property, not you.
Every rule below applies to the home in England, wherever you live.
Your region has a deadline.
Registration opens on 15 December 2026, region by region. London's window is 15 July to 14 October 2027, and every landlord in England must be registered by 14 November 2027. See all region dates
The agent checklist
Most agents get this right. This list simply helps you hold the proof yourself, because if anything is missing, the fine is addressed to the owner. Ask your agent for a copy of each item. Tick it off when it's in your hands.
| # | Ask your agent for | How often | If it's missing (maximum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gas safety record from a Gas Safe registered engineer (if there's gas) | Every 12 months | A criminal offence: fines and even prison (HSE) |
| 2 | EICR (electrical safety report), and proof the tenant got a copy | At least every 5 years | Up to £40,000 per breach |
| 3 | EPC, rated E or better | Must be valid | Up to £5,000 per property |
| 4 | Deposit protection certificate and the prescribed information given to the tenant | Within 30 days of taking the deposit | A court must order 1 to 3 times the deposit |
| 5 | Right to Rent check records for every adult occupier | Before each tenancy | Up to £10,000 per occupier (first breach) |
| 6 | Written statement of terms (new tenancies since 1 May 2026) or proof the Renters' Rights Act information sheet was given (existing tenancies) | Once per tenancy | Up to £7,000 per breach |
| 7 | Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: a note they were working on the day the tenancy started | Each new tenancy | Up to £5,000 if a remedial notice is ignored |
| 8 | HMO or selective licence, if the council needs one | As the council sets | An offence: prosecution or up to £40,000 |
| 9 | Landlord register: who will start your registration, which correspondence address in England or Wales you'll use, and who uploads the evidence within 28 days | From your region's window | Up to £7,000 for not registering; up to £40,000 for false information or repeated breaches |
| 10 | Rent and tax statements: if you live abroad 6 months or more a year, your agent deducts basic-rate tax unless HMRC has approved you to receive rent in full (form NRL1i) | Each tax year | Ask an accountant about your own tax |
The PDF is in English. Opens your email or WhatsApp with the list. Nothing is sent by us.
Maximums from official sources, listed below. General guidance, not legal, financial or tax advice.
How LevelMoves helps owners abroad
1. One shared record for every home.
You, your agent, your tenant and your trades see the same file: certificates, dates, tenancy papers and messages. No more long email threads across time zones just to see where things stand.
2. The AI reads every paper.
Forward or upload a certificate. The AI reads it, logs the dates, shows what's due and what's missing, and adds each renewal date to the home's tasks. You can ask it questions in English or Chinese.
3. Checked providers when something's missing.
If a gas safety check, EICR or EPC is due, the AI can book a checked local provider when you say yes. Your agent can see the booking in the same record. How we vet providers
4. A person, if you prefer.
Hire a Property PA through the hub to help with the paperwork and the register. About Property PAs
5. Works with your agent, not against them.
Keep your agent. We are a hub, not an agent, and work with or without one.
Portfolio owners
Several homes? Each property is registered separately, with its own gas, electrical and EPC evidence, and changes must be updated within 28 days. LevelMoves shows every property's dates on one screen.
Hold the proof yourself. Free.
Create a free account, add your homes, and invite your agent into the shared record. The AI shows what's in place and what's missing.
Free during our launch. No card needed. English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
Questions owners abroad ask
I live abroad. Do I have to join the landlord register?
Yes, if you let a home in England on an assured or regulated tenancy. Overseas landlords aren't exempt, and you'll need a correspondence address in England or Wales.
My agent handles everything. Isn't it their job?
Your agent can add the tenancy and safety information for you, but GOV.UK says the landlord stays legally responsible, and must start the registration and pay. That's why it helps to hold copies of each certificate yourself.
When is my deadline?
It depends on the region the property is in. The register opens on 15 December 2026. London's window is 15 July to 14 October 2027, and every landlord in England must be registered by 14 November 2027. You can register early.
What should I ask my agent for?
The gas safety record, the EICR, the EPC, the deposit protection certificate and prescribed information, the Right to Rent records, the tenancy paperwork, the alarm check, any licence, and a plan for the register. The checklist on this page lists them all.
Does LevelMoves replace my agent?
No. We are a hub, not an agent, and work with your agent on one shared record for the home. Nothing happens without your yes.
Do you handle my rent or deposit?
Never. Your rent, deposit and sale money never go through LevelMoves.
Is it free?
Free during our launch, with no card needed.
Talk to a person
hello@levelmoves.com020 8138 8813WhatsApp +44 20 8138 8813
We reply in English or Chinese.
Phone / WhatsApp: +44 20 8138 8813 (020 8138 8813) · WhatsApp
Sources
- GOV.UK: Register your rental property, service guidance for landlords
- GOV.UK: Civil penalties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation
- HSE: Gas safety, landlords' questions
- legislation.gov.uk: Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, regulation 11
- legislation.gov.uk: Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, regulation 40
- legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 2004, section 214 (deposits)
- GOV.UK: Penalties for illegal renting (Right to Rent)
- legislation.gov.uk: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, regulation 8
- GOV.UK: Tax on your UK income if you live abroad, rent (non-resident landlords)
Last reviewed 30 October 2026. England only. General guidance, not legal advice.
- +44 20 8138 8813
- Gas safety record from a Gas Safe registered engineer (if there's gas)
- EICR (electrical safety report), and proof the tenant got a copy
- EPC, rated E or better
- Deposit protection certificate and the prescribed information given to the tenant
- Right to Rent check records for every adult occupier
- Written statement of terms (new tenancies since 1 May 2026) or proof the Renters' Rights Act information sheet was given (existing tenancies)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: a note they were working on the day the tenancy started
- HMO or selective licence, if the council needs one
- Landlord register: who will start your registration, which correspondence address in England or Wales you'll use, and who uploads the evidence within 28 days
- Rent and tax statements: if you live abroad 6 months or more a year, your agent deducts basic-rate tax unless HMRC has approved you to receive rent in full (form NRL1i)