What certificates and safety checks does a landlord need?
Every certificate and check a landlord in England needs, how often to renew it and what to give the tenant.
Most landlords know about the gas safety certificate, but it's only one of several legal requirements. Missing one can lead to a fine from the council and makes it harder to regain possession if you ever need to.
At a glance
| Requirement | How often | Give the tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Gas safety record | Every 12 months | Before they move in, then within 28 days of each check |
| Electrical safety report (EICR) | At least every 5 years | Before they move in, then within 28 days of each inspection |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Valid for 10 years; must be E or above | Before they move in, and in your adverts |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms | Checked on the first day of each tenancy | Repair or replace when reported |
| Deposit protection | Within 30 days of receiving the deposit | The prescribed information within 30 days |
| Property licence, if required | Set by your council, often up to 5 years | Display or provide as the licence requires |
| Right to rent checks | Before each tenancy starts | Not applicable |
Gas safety
If the property has any gas appliances, a Gas Safe registered engineer must check them every 12 months. You can have the check done up to two months early without losing the original renewal date.
Electrical safety
An Electrical Installation Condition Report from a qualified electrician is needed at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so. If it finds faults that need fixing, you have 28 days, or less if the report says so, to get them repaired.
Energy Performance Certificate
You can't let a property with an EPC rating below E unless you've registered a valid exemption. The government plans to raise the minimum standard, so it's worth knowing what it would take to reach a C.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
You need a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner (gas cookers are excepted).
Licences
Larger HMOs, with five or more people from two or more households, need a licence everywhere in England. Many councils, including a large number of London boroughs, also run additional licensing for smaller HMOs or selective licensing for all rented homes in certain areas. Check your council's website before you let.
Good practice, not always required
- Portable appliance testing (PAT) isn't a legal requirement for most lets, but it's sensible if you supply electrical appliances.
- A Legionella risk assessment doesn't need a certificate, but you should assess and record the risk.
- Fire safety for furniture: anything you supply must meet the fire safety regulations, with its labels attached.
Want the full list? Our free landlord compliance checklist covers all 38 checks, from before you let to the end of a tenancy. Under full management, the agency tracks and arranges all of these for you.
General information for landlords in England, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 12 October 2026.
More landlord guides
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- Full management, part management or tenant find?
- How much rent can I charge for my property?
- Renters' Rights Act: what landlords in England need to know
- Common landlord questions, answered
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Get a free valuationFree download: our landlord compliance checklist covers 38 checks, from gas safety to the Renters' Rights Act.
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