How often is a gas safety check required?

Gas appliances and flues in rented properties must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you must give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record before they move in or within 28 days of the check.

What is the minimum EPC rating?

Domestic private rented properties in England generally need a minimum EPC rating of E before letting, subject to exemptions registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Safety

Gas, EPC and electrical safety certificates for landlords

Annual gas safety checks, EPC minimum standards, and five-year electrical installation condition reports (EICR) for rented homes in England.

Last reviewed: 15 October 2026 · About 10 min read · England only

Gas safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require landlords to maintain gas pipework and appliances and to have an annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Give each tenant a copy of the Gas Safety Record (often called a CP12) before occupation or within 28 days of the check. Keep records for at least two years.

EPC

You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate before marketing a property for rent. The Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 (as amended) mean most new lets need rating E or better unless a valid exemption is registered.

EPCs last 10 years unless superseded. Provide a copy to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.

Electrical (EICR)

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require five-yearly inspection and testing by a qualified person, remedial work on reportable faults, and supplying the tenant with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before they move in.

Smoke and carbon monoxide

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022 require a smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (with limited exceptions). Test at the start of each tenancy.

HHSRS fitness standards and the How to Rent guide remind tenants and landlords of wider repair and hazard duties.

Frequently asked questions

How often is a gas safety check required?: Gas appliances and flues in rented properties must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you must give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record before they move in or within 28 days of the check.
What is the minimum EPC rating?: Domestic private rented properties in England generally need a minimum EPC rating of E before letting, subject to exemptions registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

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This guide is general information for landlords in England. It is not legal advice. Laws and official forms change; check the linked GOV.UK and legislation pages for the latest position.