If you rent out property, you must meet legal standards for safety, energy efficiency and tenant information.
You are responsible for keeping your property safe and compliant.
Electrical safety requirements
You must ensure electrical installations are safe, including:
- having electrics inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person
- ensuring installations meet safety standards
- providing tenants with a copy of the electrical safety report
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
You must install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in line with regulations.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants on GOV.UK
Energy efficiency
Private rented properties must meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
You must:
- have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for each property
- give tenants a copy of the EPC at the start of a tenancy
It is an offence not to provide an EPC.
You may not be able to serve a Section 21 notice to end an assured shorthold tenancy if you have not provided the required documents, including an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Check and update your EPC
If you have improved your property, your existing EPC may no longer reflect its energy efficiency.
Consider renewing your EPC if works have been carried out.
Find guidance on how to Get a new energy certificate on GOV.UK