Choosing and managing contractors
Your legal responsibility for safety work does not transfer to the tradesperson. Verifying credentials and keeping the paperwork is part of the compliance duty, not an administrative extra.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Your legal responsibility for safety work does not transfer to the tradesperson. Verifying credentials and keeping the paperwork is part of the compliance duty, not an administrative extra.
Verify registrations
Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, and electrical work should be by a competent person scheme member. Check the register number rather than the van livery.
Insurance and scope
Ask for public liability cover and give a written scope of work with a price. Verbal instructions produce disputes about what was agreed.
Access arrangements
Give the tenant at least 24 hours' written notice, confirm appointment windows, and log missed appointments on both sides.
Records
Keep the invoice, the certificate and a photograph of the completed work. That trio answers almost every later question.
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This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.