Everything Landlords Need to Know About Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates
If you let a property, two of your most critical compliance duties as a landlord relate to gas and electrical safety. In this guide we explain exactly what you need to do and how to stay safe, legal and stress-free under the latest rules, including the new electrical safety changes for properties in England effective from 1st November 2025.
Why Gas & Electrical Safety Matter
As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to make sure that your property is safe for your tenants. Failing to meet these obligations can result in fines of up to £30,000, or even criminal prosecution.
1. Gas Safety Certificates (Landlord Gas Safety Record / CP12)
What You Must Do
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances, pipework, flues and chimneys in a rental property are safe.
You must:
- Arrange an annual gas safety inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12) confirming the inspection results.
Timing & Validity
- The Gas Safety Certificate is valid for 12 months from the inspection date.
- You can renew up to two months early (from month 11) without losing the full 12-month validity.
What the Inspection Covers
The engineer will check:
- All gas appliances (boiler, hob, gas fire, water heater) and pipework
- Burner pressures, flue gases, ventilation and air supply
- Flue condition, seals and safety devices
Tenant Documentation
- Provide a copy of the certificate to new tenants before they move in.
- Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
- Keep records for at least two years.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Since 1st October 2022, landlords in England must install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in every habitable room with a gas appliance (excluding cookers) such as a boiler, wood-burning stove, or open fire.
2. Electrical Safety Certificates (EICR)
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years.
From 1st November 2025, several important updates strengthen these rules.
Key Changes from 1st November 2025
1. Increased Penalties
The maximum fine for breaching electrical safety rules rises from £30,000 to £40,000 per offence.
2. New Enforcement Powers
- Local authorities gain new powers to issue remedial notices, requiring landlords to fix issues identified in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Failure to comply with a remedial notice can lead to fines or the authority arranging the work and recovering costs from the landlord.
3. New Legal Defence for Access Issues
- Landlords will now have a legal defence against prosecution if they can demonstrate that:
- A tenant refused access to the property for an electrical inspection or remedial work, and
- The landlord took reasonable steps to gain access (e.g. written requests, documented attempts).
- Importantly, landlords are not required to start legal proceedings to use this defence.
4. Extension to Social Housing
What You Must Do
Even with these changes, your essential responsibilities as a landlord stay the same:
- Ensure a qualified and competent electrician inspects and tests the electrical installation at least every five years.
- Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) confirming safety status and next inspection due date.
- Provide copies of the report:
- To existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- To new tenants before occupation
- To prospective tenants within 28 days of request
- Complete any remedial or further investigation work within 28 days (or sooner if specified).
- Send written confirmation of completed work to the tenant and local authority.
What the Inspection Covers
The electrician will assess:
- Wiring, sockets, light fittings and consumer unit
- Protection against electric shock and fire hazards
- Earthing and bonding
- Damage or deterioration of the installation
Practical Notes
- A new build or recent rewire may already have an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), valid for five years.
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is not legally required but remains best practice for plug-in items you provide with the property.
Your Compliance Checklist
Use the checklist below to make sure every property you manage meets the current gas and electrical safety requirements - including the new regulations effective from 1st November 2025. Following this checklist will help you stay compliant, protect your tenants, and reduce risk of fines or enforcement action.
Gas Safety
- Annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12) kept and shared with tenants
- CO alarms installed and tested
- Records kept for at least two years
Electrical Safety
- EICR inspection every five years by a qualified engineer
- Copies provided to tenants and authorities as required
- Remedial work completed promptly and confirmed in writing
- Awareness of new penalties and access rules effective 1 Nov 2025
- Records retained for next inspection
Good Practice
- Use digital reminders for renewals
- Keep certificates organised per property
- Use only qualified professionals
- Document all communication about access attempts
Why Staying Compliant Makes Good Business Sense
Keeping gas and electrical certificates for your properties up to date protects your tenants as well as your investment. Safe and compliant homes attract reliable tenants, reduce expensive emergencies, and maintain insurance validity. With tougher penalties for landlords coming into effect from November 2025, staying proactive has never been more important.
Staying compliant doesn’t have to be stressful. Prop Home can manage your gas and electrical safety checks, renewals, and all landlord obligations as part of our property management service. Get in touch for more information.
