HELP CENTRE
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on landlord safety certificates, compliance deadlines and booking with LandlordSure.
General
Which safety certificates does a landlord legally need?
Every rented home in England needs a valid Gas Safety Record (if there are gas appliances), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Landlords must also fit working smoke alarms on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms where required. Depending on the property, you may also need a fire risk assessment, emergency lighting checks, fire door checks, a legionella risk assessment or an asbestos survey.
Do the rules differ for HMOs and blocks of flats?
Yes. Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and buildings with shared common parts usually carry extra duties, such as a fire risk assessment for the common areas, emergency lighting, fire door checks and, in many areas, licensing conditions set by the local council. We can tell you exactly what applies to your property.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover residential and commercial properties across London and throughout the UK. Enter your postcode when requesting a quote to confirm availability for your property.
How quickly can you attend, and when will I receive my certificate?
We offer flexible appointment times, including same-day and next-day bookings in many areas. Once the inspection is complete, we email your digital certificate or report, including any recommendations, usually within 24 hours for most services.
Do I need to be at the property for the inspection?
No. We can arrange access directly with your tenant or letting agent, or collect keys by arrangement.
Are your engineers qualified?
Yes. Gas work is carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers, electrical inspections by qualified electricians, and fire risk assessments by experienced fire risk assessors. You can see our accreditations on our homepage.
Do you work with letting agents and property managers?
Yes. We work with landlords, letting agents, property managers, homeowners and businesses, and can arrange access directly with tenants on your behalf.
Do you cover commercial properties?
Yes. As well as homes, rental properties and HMOs, we inspect offices, retail units, warehouses, schools, hotels, healthcare facilities and other commercial premises.
What happens if my property fails an inspection?
Your report will list any faults found and the remedial work needed to make the property safe and compliant. Our team can advise on next steps, and we also offer electrical fault finding.
Gas Safety (CP12)
What is a CP12 / Landlord Gas Safety Record?
It is the record produced after a Gas Safe registered engineer checks every gas appliance, flue and fitting the landlord provides. It is required under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
How often is a gas safety check needed?
Every 12 months. A check carried out up to two months before the current record expires keeps the original expiry date, so you don't lose any time.
What do I need to give my tenants?
Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the check, and new tenants before they move in. You must keep each record for at least two years.
What happens if an appliance fails the gas safety check?
The engineer records any defects on your Gas Safety Record. If an appliance is classed as immediately dangerous, it will be made safe, usually by disconnecting it with your permission, and must not be used until it has been repaired and rechecked.
Are tenants' own gas appliances included?
No. The check covers the gas appliances, flues and fittings the landlord provides. Appliances owned by the tenant are the tenant's own responsibility.
Electrical Safety (EICR)
How often does a rental property need an EICR?
At least every five years, or sooner if the previous report says so, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
What happens if the report is unsatisfactory?
Any C1, C2 or FI item makes the report unsatisfactory. Remedial work must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies, and written confirmation must be given to the tenant and the local council. C3 items are recommendations only.
What are the penalties for not having a valid EICR?
Local councils can issue fines of up to £30,000 for breaches.
Do I need PAT testing as a landlord?
PAT testing is not a specific legal requirement, but any appliances you supply must be safe. Regular testing is the simplest way to show this, and many HMO licences and insurers expect it.
Energy Performance (EPC)
How long is an EPC valid?
Ten years, unless a new one is produced sooner, for example after improvement works.
What EPC rating does a rental property need?
Privately rented homes in England must currently have a rating of E or above, unless a valid exemption is registered. Letting a property below E without an exemption can lead to fines of up to £5,000.
Fire Safety
Does my rental property need a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is legally required for the common parts of HMOs and blocks of flats, and for commercial premises, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A single-household let does not normally need one, though smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules still apply.
What are the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules?
Landlords must fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Alarms must be working on the first day of each new tenancy, and repaired or replaced once reported faulty.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
Under BS 5266, emergency lighting should have a brief functional test monthly and a full-duration test every year.
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
Extinguishers should be serviced annually by a competent person, in line with BS 5306-3.
Are fire door checks a legal requirement?
In residential buildings over 11 metres tall, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require quarterly checks of communal fire doors and best-endeavours annual checks of flat entrance doors. In other buildings, fire doors should be checked as part of the fire risk assessment.
Legionella & Asbestos
Do landlords need a legionella risk assessment?
Yes. Landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of legionella in their properties' water systems. There is no fixed renewal date, but the assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever the water system changes.
When is an asbestos survey needed?
The legal duty to manage asbestos applies to non-domestic premises, including the common parts of flats and HMOs, particularly in buildings built before 2000. A refurbishment survey is also needed before major building work where asbestos may be disturbed.
Booking & Payment
How do I book?
Book online through our Online Booking page, or call, email or WhatsApp our team and we'll arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
How much do certificates cost?
Prices are shown on each service page. For example, residential emergency light testing for 1–3 lights is £50.99. For larger properties or several services, we provide a free, no-obligation quote.
Can I book several certificates in one visit?
Yes. You can combine services such as Gas Safety Certificates, EICRs, EPCs, fire risk assessments, PAT testing and fire door inspections in a single visit where appropriate, which saves you arranging separate appointments.
How do I pay, and what is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, or have a question about payment, please contact our team as early as possible and we'll help.
Still have a question?
Our team can advise on exactly which certificates your property needs.
