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Landlord compliance checklist

Every certificate and safety check a rental property in England needs, how often, and what you have to give your tenants. Answer two questions to see what applies to your property.

Certificates and safety checks

Does the property have gas?
Is it an HMO (3 or more tenants from 2 or more households, sharing a kitchen or bathroom)?

5 of these are required for your property

  1. Gas safety certificate (CP12)

    Properties with a gas supply

    What it is
    A Gas Safe registered engineer checks every gas appliance, flue and the pipework you provide.
    How often
    Every 12 months
    For tenants
    Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. Keep records for at least two years.
    The law
    Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
    Book a gas safety check What it costs

  2. Electrical safety report (EICR)

    Every rental property

    What it is
    A qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation and codes any faults.
    How often
    At least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so
    For tenants
    Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the council within 7 days if asked. Remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
    The law
    Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
    Book an EICR What it costs

  3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

    Every rental property

    What it is
    An accredited assessor rates the property's energy efficiency from A to G.
    How often
    Valid for 10 years - needed before you market the property
    For tenants
    Give prospective tenants a free copy before they sign. The property must be rated E or above to be let, unless it has a registered exemption.
    The law
    Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012 and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard
    Book an EPC

  4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

    Every rental property

    What it is
    A smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a boiler or wood burner (gas cookers excepted).
    How often
    Checked on the first day of every new tenancy
    For tenants
    Make sure the alarms work on the day the tenancy starts, and repair or replace any your tenant reports faulty.
    The law
    Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
    Book an alarm check

  5. Legionella risk assessment

    Every rental property

    What it is
    Assess the risk of legionella bacteria in the water system and keep it under control. Many landlords use a professional assessment so they have a written record.
    How often
    Review it regularly, and whenever the water system changes
    For tenants
    Tell tenants about any controls they need to follow, such as running little-used taps and showers.
    The law
    Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the HSE Approved Code of Practice L8
    Book a legionella assessment

  6. Fire risk assessment

    Not needed for this property

    HMOs (houses in multiple occupation)

    What it is
    A written assessment of fire risks in the shared parts, and the precautions in place such as fire doors, alarms and escape routes.
    How often
    Review it regularly, and whenever the layout or use changes
    For tenants
    Share fire safety information with your tenants, including what to do if there is a fire.
    The law
    Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
    Book a fire risk assessment

  7. PAT testing

    Optional

    Good practice where you supply appliances

    What it is
    Electrical appliances you provide, such as kettles, microwaves and lamps, are tested and labelled.
    How often
    Usually every 1 to 5 years, depending on the appliance
    For tenants
    Not a legal requirement for most lets, but you must make sure any appliance you provide is safe - and some HMO licences ask for it.
    The law
    Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (appliances must be safe)
    Book PAT testing

Let us keep track of this for you

Add your property, tell us whether it has gas and whether it's an HMO, and upload what you already have. Your dashboard shows this checklist for your own property - what's valid, due or missing - and we remind you before anything expires. Free for your first property.

Track my property free

Other legal duties

  • Protect the tenancy deposit

    Put the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and give the tenant the prescribed information.

  • Right to Rent checks

    Check that every adult tenant has the right to rent in England before the tenancy starts, and keep a copy of the check.

  • Property licensing

    HMOs with five or more people from two or more households need a mandatory licence. Many councils also license smaller HMOs or all rented homes in some areas - check with your council.

  • Keep the property fit to live in

    Deal with hazards such as damp and mould, and carry out repairs to the structure, heating, hot water and sanitation.

Tenancy rules in England are changing in stages under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Check GOV.UK for the rules that apply to your tenancies now. This checklist is a guide, not legal advice.

Common questions

What certificates does a landlord legally need?

In England: a gas safety certificate every year if the property has gas, an EICR at least every five years, a valid EPC rated E or above, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a legionella risk assessment. HMOs also need a fire risk assessment, and may need a licence.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords?

Not for most lets. You must make sure any appliance you provide is safe, and PAT testing is the usual way to show it. Some councils ask for it as a condition of an HMO licence.

What happens if a landlord does not have the right certificates?

The council can fine landlords - up to £30,000 for breaching the electrical safety rules, for example - and a gas safety failure can lead to prosecution. Most importantly, the checks are there to keep tenants safe.

Do HMOs have extra requirements?

Yes. An HMO needs a fire risk assessment for its shared parts, and larger HMOs (five or more people from two or more households) need a mandatory licence from the council. Licence conditions often add more, such as PAT testing and regular fire alarm testing.

How do I keep track of renewal dates?

Add your property to RentalComply and upload the certificates you already have. The dashboard shows what is missing or due, and we remind you before each one expires - free for your first property.

Missing something on the list?

Book any of these from verified local engineers at fixed prices, and the certificate lands in your dashboard.

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