Tenancy Timeline Calculator
Enter your tenancy start date to see every key deadline and milestone at a glance — from deposit protection to Section 8 eligibility and compliance renewals.
Key Tenancy Milestones Every Landlord Should Know
Managing a tenancy involves tracking multiple legal deadlines, and missing even one can result in penalties, invalid notices, or compensation claims against you. This tool brings all of the key dates together in a single timeline so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Deposit Protection: 30 Days
Under the Housing Act 2004, every tenancy deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. You must also serve the prescribed information on the tenant within the same period. If you fail to protect the deposit or serve the prescribed information, the tenant can claim compensation of up to three times the deposit amount. Additionally, you will be unable to gain possession on most grounds — only the anti-social behaviour grounds (Ground 7A and Ground 14) are exempt from this restriction. You can rectify by protecting the deposit at any time. This deadline is non-negotiable and should be treated as your most urgent compliance task at the start of any tenancy.
The 12-Month Restriction on Possession Grounds
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 prevents landlords from using certain Section 8 possession grounds during the first 12 months of a tenancy. This applies to Grounds 1 (landlord moving in), 1A (sale of property), and 6 (redevelopment). Even after the 12-month period, these grounds require 4 months' notice, meaning the earliest you could realistically regain possession under these grounds is 16 months after the tenancy starts. Understanding this restriction is essential for planning property sales, renovations, or personal use.
Annual Rent Increases
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months using the Section 13 notice procedure, with a minimum of two months' notice. This means the earliest a rent increase can take effect is 12 months from the tenancy start date (or the date of the last increase). You should plan your first rent review well in advance to avoid missing the window.
Compliance Renewal Dates
Gas safety certificates must be renewed annually, and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are valid for 5 years. Both must be current at the start of the tenancy and maintained throughout. Letting either lapse is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine. Add these dates to your calendar and arrange inspections in advance to avoid gaps in compliance.
Related Resources
This calculator is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest legislation at www.gov.uk.