Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

Required annually for all rental properties with gas appliances. Must be carried out by a qualified engineer. Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days; new tenants before their tenancy begins. You must keep records for at least 2 years.

• Frequency: Every 12 months
• Fine for non-compliance: Unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment
• Who carries it out: A qualified engineer

EPC — Energy Performance Certificate

All rental properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let. An EPC is required before a property is marketed and must be made available to prospective tenants. An EPC lasts for 10 years.

• Frequency: Every 10 years (or after significant energy improvements)
• Fine for non-compliance: Up to £30,000
• Who carries it out: An accredited domestic energy assessor

Fire Safety

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022 require landlords to install working smoke alarms on every floor and a CO alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance. HMOs have additional fire alarm requirements under their licence conditions.

• Smoke alarms: Every floor of the property
• CO alarm: Any room with a solid fuel appliance
• HMOs: Interlinked, mains-wired fire detection system — annual testing required

PAT Testing

There is no legal requirement for PAT testing in residential rental properties, but landlords of furnished properties must ensure all electrical appliances are safe. PAT testing is the most practical way to demonstrate this. Annual PAT testing is strongly recommended for all furnished lets and is a requirement under most HMO licences.

Emergency Lighting

Required for all HMOs and commercial premises under BS 5266. Annual testing and certification required. Emergency lighting ensures escape routes remain illuminated in the event of a power failure.

Combining visits saves money

The most cost-effective approach for a portfolio landlord is to combine as many compliance visits as possible. EICR, CP12, EPC, fire alarm test and PAT can all be done in a single visit for most properties, significantly reducing both cost and disruption to tenants.

GMAS Group offers PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) contracts for landlords with multiple properties, covering all compliance obligations on a single managed contract with one invoice. Learn more about PPM contracts →