As Landlord of a private dwelling you inherit several statutory responsibilities revolving around the need to secure your tenant’s safety.
These responsibilities involve everything from a basic risk assessment of the property to make sure it is free of obvious hazards (e.g. checking the water supplies are not susceptible to legionnaire’s disease) right the way through to professional checks of electrical and gas appliances and ventilation. Fire safety is also a priority.
As landlord, you must ensure that the property is inspected annually by a qualified, Gas Safe Registered engineer. The inspection usually costs about £80 - 100 and you must provide a copy of the certificate to your tenant. If a new tenant is moving in a copy of the gas safety certificate must be provided within 28 days of them taking occupancy. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
The check will include inspection and testing of gas appliances and gas fired central heating boilers and flues. If you have a gas appliance the ventilation system will be inspected and any unsatisfactory appliances or ventilation must be rectified.
A good landlord should supply smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor in addition to the annual gas inspection and ensure that they are checked regularly.
Related articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
Yesterday
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Autumn Budget 2025: A Summary
8 days ago
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn 2025 budget. We have summarised the government's plans for tax and spending.
Renters' Rights Act
20 days ago
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Mortgages and budgeting to be taught in schools
26 days ago
A welcome change in school is coming as financial literacy is due to become compulsory in schools in England.
The Government has announced that as part of the new national curriculum, children in primary and secondary education will be required to learn about budgeting, compound interest, managing money, and mortgages.
The top 10 most beautiful villages in the world
24 Oct 2025
Forbes has published a global ranking of stunning locations and one popular picturesque corner of the UK has nabbed top spot.
Over three years after the Mini-Budget took place, we look at what the mortgage market looks like now, showing the difference in mortgage repayments.
The government has announced plans to make buying or selling a home cheaper and quicker with what is being called the “biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in this country’s history.”
More borrowers using equity release
1 Oct 2025
Almost one in five equity release mortgages are now taken out to provide financial support to family.
More information
Trusted by
