Question 1

How often is a gas safety check due, and what records go to tenants?

Accepted Answer

Arrange a safety check at least every 12 months for landlord-provided gas appliances and flues, using a Gas Safe registered engineer. A check may be done up to two months early without changing the next due date. Give existing tenants the record within 28 days of the check and new tenants a copy before they move in. Keep records for at least two years; when using the early-check flexibility, HSE says to keep the record until two further checks have been completed. The linked HSE sources do not compare rules across UK nations.

Question 2

What do the cited sources say about electrical inspections and EICRs?

Accepted Answer

For specified private tenancies in England, the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations generally require inspection and testing at least every five years, or sooner if the latest report specifies. New tenancies entered scope from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies by 1 April 2021. A 2025 extension added electrical equipment checks for social landlords; for social tenancies granted before 1 December 2025, transition began on 1 May 2026 with initial checks due before 1 November 2026. This summary does not assess social-housing equipment or transition rules. A draft 2026 amendment lists 30 November 2026 as a planned start, but was still a draft when checked on 28 October 2026 and is not treated here as current law. Scope exclusions, report codes, and remedial or investigative work affect what is required. Check the current regulations and report; this summary is not a legal assessment.

Question 3

How long does an EPC last, and what applies when letting?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) lasts 10 years. Have a valid EPC when marketing a property to let and show it to prospective tenants. GOV.UK notes that in Scotland the EPC must also be displayed in the property. For domestic private rentals covered by England and Wales’ Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, an F or G rating generally means the property cannot be let to a new tenant unless it is improved to E or a qualifying exemption is registered; the guidance has scope tests and exceptions. This summary does not set out all EPC rules for Northern Ireland, so check current guidance for the property’s nation.

Question 4

When must I protect a deposit and give the prescribed information?

Accepted Answer

For a tenancy covered by the England deposit-protection rules, the landlord must protect a deposit in an authorised scheme and give the prescribed information within 30 days of receiving it. The Renters’ Rights Act changes took effect on 1 May 2026, when most existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies; exclusions and transition details still matter. Confirm the tenancy type, deposit facts and scheme before relying on a date. This summary is not a legal assessment.