Gas, Electrical and EPC Rules: Landlord Safety Certificates
Private landlords in England need an annual gas safety check, an electrical inspection at least every five years, a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Tenants must be given copies of the records.
This guide sets out each duty and how often it is due, so you can check your records and plan renewals.
General information about private renting, mainly in England, checked against the official sources listed below. It is not legal advice. If you have court papers, a bailiff date or a health risk at home, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice or a housing solicitor now.
Gas safety
Gas appliances and flues provided by the landlord must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Give existing tenants a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in. Keep records for at least two years.
Electrical safety
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. You must give tenants a copy of the report within 28 days, and a new tenant before they move in. If the report requires remedial work, it must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, with written confirmation to the tenant.
Energy Performance Certificate
A valid EPC must be available when you advertise a property and given to the tenant. EPCs last 10 years. Privately rented homes generally must meet a minimum rating of E unless a valid exemption is registered. Further standards are under discussion, so check the latest government position when you plan any work.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Check that they work on the first day of each new tenancy, and repair or replace them promptly once they are reported as faulty.
Keeping your records
Keep one register per property, showing the date of each check, when the next is due, and when the tenant received a copy. Set reminders at least two months ahead, as engineers can be booked up. Your records will also help with the private rented sector database, and with any possession claim that you might need to bring.
Sources
These are the official and specialist pages this guide is checked against. Rules and forms change, so check the live page before you act.
Questions people ask
Can a tenant refuse access for a gas check?
Give proper notice and keep a record of each attempt. If you are refused, try again and keep evidence that you took reasonable steps. Offer workable appointment options and retain messages explaining any refusal. Do not force entry on the assumption that an inspection duty overrides access rights; seek advice on the appropriate next step.
Do I need a new EICR for each tenant?
Not if the current report is in date, but you must give each new tenant a copy before they move in. Check the report’s stated next inspection date and whether it requires earlier remedial work or further investigation. Keep the completed work records with the report rather than treating an in-date cover page as sufficient.
Tools and guides that go with this
Practical guidance · checked 31 October 2026
Check the finding, not only the certificate date
A folder of certificates is only useful if someone has checked what each report says. Match the property address and inspection date, read any defects or follow-up work, and keep the completion evidence alongside the original report. Ask for a readable copy rather than a cropped photograph of the first page.
Gas equipment supplied by the landlord must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants should receive the gas safety record before moving in, or within 28 days of a later check. Electrical installations and supplied appliances must also be safe. If there is a serious hazard, report the problem promptly; do not wait for the next routine inspection to raise it.
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