Landlord safety checks: what the law requires

These are the main safety checks for a typical rented home in England. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they do change, so check GOV.UK or your council for the latest.

Every year

• Gas safety certificate, if there are any gas appliances. Give a copy to tenants.

At least every 5 years

• EICR (electrical safety check). Fix anything marked as needing urgent attention.

Before you let the home

• EPC with a rating of E or above, unless an exemption is registered.
• Smoke alarm on every floor people live on.
• CO alarm in any room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler or wood burner (gas cookers don't count).
• Alarms checked on the first day of each tenancy.

Also expected

• A legionella risk assessment. It is usually quick for a normal home.
• Deposit protected in a government-backed scheme within 30 days.

In Scotland

• Linked smoke and heat alarms.
• Electrical appliance checks (PAT) and a legionella risk assessment.

Shared houses

HMOs have extra fire safety rules and often need a licence. See our guide to fire safety in shared houses.

Tip: Order everything together with our landlord pack: you answer the property questions once.