Landlord safety checks: what you need and how often
Landlords in England are legally responsible for keeping a rented home safe. The main checks are simple once you know them, but missing one can lead to fines, problems with insurance and, since the landlord database is coming, gaps that are visible to the council. Here is what each property needs.
| Check | How often |
|---|---|
| Gas safety check | Every 12 months |
| Electrical safety report (EICR) | At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms | Checked on the first day of every new tenancy, and repaired when reported |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Valid for 10 years, with a minimum rating of E |
| Legionella risk assessment | Before letting, then reviewed regularly |
Gas safety
- Every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.
- Give your tenant a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in.
- Keep each record for at least two years.
Gas safety is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, and a breach is a criminal offence.
Electrical safety
- The fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years, and the result recorded in a report, usually called an EICR.
- Give a copy to your tenant within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the council within 7 days if it asks.
- If the report finds a problem that needs putting right, the work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and written confirmation sent to the tenant and the council.
Councils can carry out the work themselves, recover the cost and impose a financial penalty.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey with a room used as living accommodation.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner. Gas cookers are not included, although an alarm in the kitchen is sensible.
- Check that every alarm works on the day each new tenancy begins, and repair or replace any faulty alarm once you are told about it.
If a council serves a notice and the work is not done, it can do the work itself and charge a penalty of up to £5,000.
Energy Performance Certificate
- You need a valid EPC before you market the property, and you must give a copy to the tenant. An EPC lasts 10 years.
- A property must not be let with a rating of F or G unless a valid exemption is registered. The minimum today is E.
- If a property is below E, improvements are required up to a cost cap of £3,500 before an exemption can be considered.
The government has announced plans to raise the minimum standard for privately rented homes by 2030. This is not yet law, and we will update this guide when the rules are confirmed.
Legionella
Landlords must assess the risk of legionella bacteria in the water system and take simple steps to control it. For most homes this is a short, low cost assessment, which should be reviewed if anything changes.
How we help
MSJ Estates tracks every certificate and renewal date for the properties we manage, books qualified engineers and electricians, arranges access with your tenant, and gives tenants their copies within the legal time limits. You approve the cost, and every record is kept on file. Find out more about our full management service.
Please note: this guide is general information about the law in England as we understand it on the date above. It is not legal advice, and some properties, such as houses in multiple occupation, have extra requirements. For advice on your own situation, please speak to a solicitor or your local council.