The law now
Gas, electrics, energy and alarms
England · last checked 8 October 2026
These are the safety checks every rented home in England needs. Missing one is one of the most common reasons landlords are fined.
Do
- Get a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months, and give the tenant a copy within 28 days.
- Get the electrics inspected (EICR) at least every 5 years, give the tenant a copy within 28 days, and fix any C1 or C2 faults within 28 days.
- Have a valid energy certificate (EPC) rated E or better before you advertise.
- Fit a smoke alarm on every floor used as living space, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance such as a boiler or wood burner.
- Test the alarms on the first day of every tenancy and fix them when told they're broken.
Don't
- Don't let a gas certificate lapse, even by a day.
- Don't let a home rated F or G unless it's registered for an exemption.
- Don't use an unregistered engineer for gas work.
Deadlines
- Gas safety
- Every 12 months
- Electrical report (EICR)
- Every 5 years
- Energy certificate (EPC)
- Every 10 years
- Alarms
- Tested on day one of each tenancy
If you get it wrong
Electrical breaches up to £30,000. Alarm breaches up to £5,000. Gas safety breaches can be prosecuted, with unlimited fines.
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Start freeThis guide is general information about the law in England, not legal advice. Laws and dates change, so check GOV.UK or ask a solicitor before acting on anything serious, such as asking a tenant to leave. Last checked 8 October 2026.