Gas safety: the annual check
Every gas appliance, flue and installation in a rented property must be checked every twelve months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The resulting record, often called a CP12, must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the check or before they move in if the tenancy is new.
Keep records for at least two years. The check is not just the boiler; it covers any gas fires, cookers or hobs supplied with the property, even if the tenant brought some of them.
- Book the check before the current certificate expires.
- Confirm the engineer is on the Gas Safe Register for the appliance type.
- Give the tenant a copy within 28 days and keep the record for two years.
- Arrange repairs before the next check if anything is flagged Immediately Dangerous or At Risk.
EPC: the ten-year certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate rates the property from A to G and is valid for ten years. It must be available when the property is marketed and a copy must be given to the tenant before they move in.
Since 2020, private rented properties in England must reach at least band E on the EPC before a new tenancy begins, and existing tenancies have been covered since 2020 as well. Letting a sub-standard property without a valid exemption is a civil penalty risk and can stop you serving a Section 21 notice.
- Check the EPC is valid before advertising the property.
- If the rating is F or G, carry out exempt works or register an exemption if one applies.
- Give tenants the current certificate before they move in.
Electrical safety: the five-year report
For private rented properties in England, electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection or before they occupy the property.
If the report identifies urgent remedial work or further investigation, it must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if specified. A further report or confirmation from the electrician must then be given to the tenant and the local authority if requested.
- Arrange an EICR before a new tenancy if you do not have a valid report.
- Keep the report for the full five-year cycle.
- Carry out remedial work within 28 days and obtain written confirmation.
- Provide a copy to tenants and keep proof of service.
How Signlet helps
Signlet stores the tenancy agreement, correspondence and a timeline of compliance documents in one place. Upload gas safety records, EPCs and EICRs against the tenancy so renewal dates, proof of service and contractor details are easy to find when they are needed.
Keep reading
General information about renting in England and Wales. Signlet is not a law firm — check your own circumstances before relying on any of it.