Gas safety
Every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Give the existing 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.
Electrical safety
The fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. Give the tenant a copy of the report, known as an EICR, within 28 days, and give it to the council within seven days if asked. If the report identifies urgent or remedial work, it must be completed within 28 days or sooner if the report says so.
Electrical appliances you supply should be safe. Portable appliance testing is not a legal requirement for all lets, but it is a common way to show they have been checked, and is expected in HMOs.
Energy performance certificate
You must give tenants a valid EPC, which lasts ten years. Private rented homes must currently be rated E or above unless a valid exemption is registered. The government has consulted on raising the minimum to C by 2030, so check the current rules before buying a property rated D or below.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
There must be a working smoke alarm on every storey used wholly or partly as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, apart from gas cookers. Alarms must be checked as working on the first day of a new tenancy, and repaired or replaced once a tenant reports a fault.
Deposits and tenant checks
- Protect any tenancy deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and give the tenant the prescribed information.
- Deposits are capped at five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, and holding deposits at one week's rent.
- Check that every adult tenant has the right to rent in England before the tenancy starts, and keep copies of the documents.
- Give the tenants the information the government requires at the start of a tenancy. This has changed under the Renters' Rights Act, so check gov.uk for the current documents.
Other duties to know about
- Legionella: landlords must assess the risk from water systems. For most homes this is a simple assessment, and no certificate is required.
- Furnished lets: upholstered furniture you supply must meet the fire safety regulations and carry the correct labels.
- Licensing: houses in multiple occupation with five or more people from two or more households need a licence, and many councils license other rented homes too.
- Fire safety in HMOs and flats: these carry extra duties such as fire doors, alarms and escape routes. Check the council's standards.
A simple calendar
- Every year: gas safety check.
- Every five years: electrical inspection, sooner if the report says so.
- Every ten years: EPC.
- Every new tenancy: alarm check on day one, deposit protection within 30 days, right to rent checks, required documents.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, which differ in places. This guide covers England only.