Landlord Safety Certificates Checklist for England

Published 7 October 2026 · Propvio Guides

Private landlords in England must hold several safety certificates and give tenants specific documents. Missing one can lead to fines and can affect your ability to end a tenancy. This checklist sets out the main ones.

Rules in Wales and Scotland differ, and private renting in England is changing under the Renters' Rights Act. Check GOV.UK for the current position before relying on any single requirement.

Certificates You Need

A gas safety record, renewed every 12 months, if the property has gas appliances.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), at least every five years.
A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), meeting the minimum rating for letting.

Each is explained further in Landlord Gas Safety Record Rules and EPC Rules for Landlords in England.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

You must fit smoke alarms and, in certain rooms, carbon monoxide alarms, and check they work at the start of each tenancy. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rules for Landlords sets out the detail.

Documents to Give Tenants

Copies of the gas safety record and EICR.
A copy of the EPC.
The government's How to Rent guide, at the start of the tenancy.
Prescribed information about the scheme protecting their deposit.

Other Duties

Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
Carry out Right to Rent checks before the tenancy starts.
Assess the risk from legionella in the water system.
Check whether the property needs an HMO or selective licence from the council.

Keep Proof of Every Check

If there is ever a dispute, you will need to show when each certificate was issued and given to the tenant. Attach each certificate to the property on Propvio, with its expiry date, to get a reminder before it runs out.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice.

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