Safety guides for UK landlords

Gas, electrical, fire and carbon monoxide safety duties.

Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) — landlord duties

Every rental property with gas appliances needs an annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

7 min read

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Fixed electrical installations in rented homes must be inspected at least every five years.

7 min read

Smoke alarm rules for rented property

At least one smoke alarm is required on every storey used as living accommodation.

6 min read

Carbon monoxide alarm requirements

A CO alarm is required in every room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker.

5 min read

Fire risk assessments for rented property

Fire risk assessments are mandatory for HMOs and blocks of flats with common parts, and are good practice for any rented home.

6 min read

Carbon monoxide alarm placement and testing

Landlords in England must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.

4 min read

The Electrical Safety Standards Regulations explained

Since 2020, landlords in England must have electrical installations inspected at least every five years and act on any remedial work identified.

5 min read

Legionella risk assessments for rented property

Landlords have a duty to assess the risk of legionella exposure from water systems, though most domestic systems present a low risk when properly maintained.

4 min read

Smoke alarm testing: landlord duties and tenant responsibilities

Landlords must ensure a working smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation at the start of a tenancy, but day-to-day testing usually falls to the tenant.

4 min read