In England, a landlord needs a gas safety check every 12 months, an electrical inspection (EICR) at least every 5 years and a valid EPC, which lasts 10 years. A gas check done in the 2 months before the deadline keeps the original deadline date. Tenants must get a copy of the gas record within 28 days of the check, and of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection.
Gas. Each gas appliance and flue you provide must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer within 12 months of the last check. If you have it checked in the 2 months before the deadline, the next deadline is still 12 months from the old one, so you do not lose time.
Electrics. The electrical installation must be inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so.
EPC. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Since 1 April 2020 you cannot let, or continue to let, most homes rated F or G unless there is a valid exemption.
Worked example. The gas check was on 10 February 2026, so the next is due by 10 February 2027, and a check from 11 December 2026 keeps that date. The EICR was on 1 June 2022 with a 5-year interval, so the next is due by 1 June 2027. The EPC from 1 September 2017 runs out on 1 September 2027.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a landlord need a gas safety certificate?
Every 12 months. The law requires each gas appliance and flue to be checked at intervals of not more than 12 months, by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Can I do the gas safety check early without losing time?
Yes. A check done in the 2 months before the deadline is treated as done on the deadline date, so the next deadline stays 12 months after the old one.
How often is an EICR needed for a rental?
At least every 5 years in England, or sooner if the last report says so.
When must I give tenants the reports?
Gas: to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. EICR: to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to the council within 7 days if it asks in writing.
How long does an EPC last?
10 years. Since 1 April 2020 landlords cannot let, or continue to let, most homes with an EPC rating below E without a valid exemption.
Read next
- GuideLandlord gas safety certificates: the rules and deadlines
- GuideEICR for landlords: electrical safety checks in England
- GuideEPC rules for landlords
- CalculatorRental Yield & Section 24 Calculator
- CalculatorRent Increase Date Calculator (Form 4A, England)
- CalculatorMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Checker
Sources
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, reg. 36 – legislation.gov.uk
- Gas Safety Regulations 1998, reg. 36A (the 2-month window) – legislation.gov.uk
- Electrical Safety Standards (England) Regulations 2020, reg. 3 – legislation.gov.uk
- Electrical safety standards: guide for landlords – GOV.UK
- Energy Performance Certificates – GOV.UK
- Minimum energy efficiency standard: landlord guidance – GOV.UK
Privately rented homes in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules for electrical checks.
General guidance, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 4 November 2026 against the sources above.