Landlord Safety Checklist: Keeping Your Property Secure

Latest statistics from the UK Government show that 4.6 million households rent privately in England. Data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals that landlords’ safety breaches led to 43 deaths and 272 major injuries in rental properties last year. These numbers highlight why property safety shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

As a landlord, your number one priority is to provide a safe home for your tenants—not only for their well-being but also to protect your investment. A safe, hazard-free environment reduces the risks of costly repairs, tenant disputes, and even legal actions. 

Whether you’re managing one property or fifty, this guide will walk you through your essential safety duties and help you protect both your tenants and your investment.

Landlord Safety Checklist

Gas Safety Standards

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 make gas safety checks mandatory. These rules exist to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty gas appliances, causing 60 deaths annually in England and Wales.

A Gas Safety Check examines all gas-related elements in your property. This includes gas pipework, appliances, flues, chimneys, and ventilation systems. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform these checks – using anyone else is illegal.

Your legal duties:

• Book annual gas safety checks with a Gas Safe engineer
• Fix any identified problems immediately
• Keep certificates for 2 years
• Give new tenants a certificate before they move in
• Provide current tenants with a new certificate within 28 days

Electrical Safety Standards

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 protect tenants from electrical hazards. With faulty electrics causing 4,000 house fires yearly, these checks are crucial.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) examines your property’s electrical system. This comprehensive inspection tests all circuits, connections, and identifies potential fire or shock risks. Legally, you are required to complete this every five years.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) covers any electrical appliances you provide. Although this is not a legal requirement, it is a recommended practice to ensure safety of the  electrical appliances you provide. This includes white goods, kitchen appliances, and any other electrical items that come with the property.

Your legal responsibilities:

• Get an EICR every 5 years from a qualified electrician
• Conduct PAT testing on all provided appliances
• Fix serious faults within 28 days
• Give tenants EICR copies
• Keep records of all tests and repairs

Fire Safety Measures

The Housing Act 2004 and Fire Safety Order 2005 set out fire prevention requirements. These laws are crucial – properties without working smoke alarms see 40% more fire-related deaths.

A Fire Risk Assessment evaluates all fire safety aspects of your property. This includes detection systems, escape routes, fire doors, firefighting equipment, and emergency lighting.

Your obligations:

• Install smoke alarms on every floor
• Fit carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances
• Test all alarms when new tenants move in
• Maintain clear escape routes
• Provide fire-resistant furniture
• Get specialist assessments for HMOs
• Keep records of all checks and tests

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An EPC rates your property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Under the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), rental properties must achieve at least an E rating to be legally let. By 2025, all new tenancies will need a rating of C or above, extending to all existing tenancies by 2028. Your legal duties include getting a valid EPC before marketing your property, displaying the rating in ads, giving tenants a copy, and renewing it every 10 years.

Legionella and Asbestos Management

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) addresses these serious health risks. Legionella can develop in water systems, while asbestos remains a concern in older buildings.

Legionella Control

A legionella risk assessment looks at your water system’s safety. The bacteria can grow in storage tanks, pipework, hot water systems, and air conditioning units.

Your requirements:

• Conduct regular risk assessments
• Maintain water temperatures (hot above 60°C, cold below 20°C)
• Clean and disinfect water tanks
• Remove redundant pipework
• Keep assessment records
• Address issues promptly

Asbestos Management

For properties built before 2000, asbestos might be present in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, wall panels, or floor tiles.

Your responsibilities:

• Commission a professional asbestos survey
• Create and maintain an asbestos register
• Monitor any asbestos-containing materials
• Use licensed contractors for removal
• Keep detailed records
• Inform maintenance workers about asbestos locations

Breaking these safety regulations carries serious penalties. Gas safety breaches can lead to fines up to £6,000 per item and possible imprisonment. Electrical safety violations risk penalties up to £30,000. Fire safety breaches can result in unlimited fines or imprisonment.

Keep detailed records of all safety checks, certificates, and actions taken. Set up a calendar system for renewal dates. Work only with qualified professionals who understand current regulations.

Remember: These aren’t just legal boxes to tick – they’re essential measures that save lives. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs cost less than emergency fixes and legal problems.

Repairs & Maintenance

As a landlord, you’re responsible for keeping your property’s structure and systems in good working order. This includes fixing structural damage, maintaining essential systems, and addressing health hazards quickly. Let’s look at what you need to monitor and maintain:

1. Structural Repairs.  Your property’s shell needs regular attention. Check roofs for loose tiles and keep gutters clear. Monitor walls for new cracks and damp patches. Make sure all windows and doors lock properly, seal well, and work smoothly. Small repairs now prevent major structural issues later.
2. Installations and Utilities.  Keep your property’s vital systems running right. For plumbing, fix drips fast and protect pipes from freezing. For heating, maintain proper boiler pressure and respond to unusual sounds quickly. With electrical systems, watch for warning signs like scorch marks or buzzing – these need professional attention fast.
3. Common Areas and Safety.  Your responsibilities extend beyond individual units. Keep shared spaces clean and safe by clearing fire exits and testing emergency lights. Outside, maintain clear paths and working lights. Act fast on damp and mold – they affect health and property value. For pests, prevention works best – seal entry points and address problems early with professional help.

Remember: Regular checks and quick fixes cost less than emergency repairs. Set up a maintenance schedule and build relationships with reliable contractors. When tenants report issues, respond promptly – it shows you care about their safety and comfort.

Essential Legal Duties of Landlords

Aside from Health and Safety, every landlord must follow specific legal requirements when renting out property. Here are the key obligations you can’t ignore:

• Right to Rent Checks. You must verify all tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK. Check and copy their original ID documents, store copies securely, and record the date you made the check.
• How to Rent Guide. Give your tenants the latest version of this official government guide before they move in. It explains their rights and your responsibilities. Download the current version – older versions aren’t valid.
• Deposit Protection. Put your tenants’ deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. Give tenants the scheme’s details and prescribed information – missing this deadline can restrict your ability to end the tenancy.
• Property Access. Always give at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting, unless there’s an emergency. Enter only at reasonable times and with tenant permission. Keep a record of all visits and communications.
• Rent Increases. Follow the process set out in your tenancy agreement. Without a specific clause, you can only raise rent once yearly with proper notice. Use a Section 13 notice for periodic tenancies.
• Eviction Process. Always follow the legal eviction process. Changing locks, removing belongings, or harassing tenants to leave is illegal. Use the correct notice (Section 21 or Section 8) and wait for court orders if needed.

For more information, check out Landlord Legal Essentials – it covers all these requirements in depth, with downloadable templates and checklists.

Taking Action

Running a rental property comes with big responsibilities – and safety tops the list. Behind each requirement lies a critical purpose:

Your gas and electrical certificates protect tenants from deadly hazards. Fire safety measures save lives. And proper maintenance prevents costly damage to your investment. Missing these safety duties can cost you up to £30,000 in fines or even jail time.

Make life easier with these smart tips:

• Mark your calendar for renewal dates
• Work with qualified professionals
• Keep detailed records of all checks
• Fix problems fast when tenants report them

Ready to get your property fully compliant? Book our Landlord Certification services – we cover your Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Safety (EICR, PAT Testing, Fire Risk Assessments and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) needs.

Need a quote? Visit our Get Quote page. Tell us about your property and we’ll build a pricing package that works for you. Because peace of mind shouldn’t break the bank.

Contact us today. We’ll help protect your tenants, your property, and your business.

C (currently E is the legal minimum).