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Landlord Safety & Compliance Resource Centre

Practical guidance to help landlords in England understand property safety standards, essential checks and their legal responsibilities.

Keeping your rental property safe and compliant. From gas and electrical checks to fire precautions and property standards, explore the topics below. Each card currently links to recognised official guidance; as TOLA publishes its own articles, we can replace these links with dedicated TOLA guides.

Explore safety & compliance topics

Choose a subject to find the relevant requirements and guidance.

Essential safety checks

The key inspections and precautions that help keep tenants safe.

Gas SafetyAnnual gas safety checks, Gas Safe registered engineers and providing records to tenants.Read gas safety guidance →

Electrical Safety & EICRsElectrical installation inspections, five-year checks, reports and remedial works.Read electrical safety guidance →

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide AlarmsWhere alarms are required, checks at the start of a tenancy and faulty alarm replacement.Read alarm requirements →

Fire SafetyEscape routes, fire precautions, furnishings and additional considerations for shared homes.Read fire safety guidance →

Furniture & Appliance SafetyResponsibilities for the safety of supplied appliances, furniture and furnishings.Read landlord responsibilities →

Before a Tenant Moves InA practical overview of safety checks and information to prepare before letting.View pre-letting responsibilities →

Property standards & energy efficiency

Maintaining a safe, healthy and suitable home throughout the tenancy.

Energy Performance CertificatesEPC requirements, minimum energy efficiency standards and exemptions.Read EPC and MEES guidance →

Damp, Mould & CondensationUnderstanding causes, addressing hazards and maintaining a healthy living environment.Read damp and mould guidance →

Property Condition & HazardsFitness for human habitation, hazards and landlords' repair and maintenance duties.Read property safety guidance →

Additional requirements

Some properties and arrangements have extra rules. Check what applies to yours.

HMO Safety & LicensingExtra standards and licensing requirements for houses in multiple occupation.Explore HMO licensing →

Selective & Additional LicensingFind out whether your local council operates a property licensing scheme.Explore private renting guidance →

Water Safety & LegionellaAssessing and controlling risks associated with water systems in rental properties.Read HSE landlord guidance →

Note: Local licensing conditions, building type and occupancy can create additional obligations. Always check with the relevant council and, where applicable, the building's managing agent.

A quick landlord safety checklist

Before letting and during the tenancy, make sure you have considered:

Current gas safety records, where gas installations are present.
An electrical installation report and any necessary remedial works.
Required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, with checks at the start of a new tenancy.
An EPC and compliance with applicable minimum energy efficiency rules.
Safe furniture, supplied appliances and appropriate fire precautions.
Repairs, damp and mould, and any other property hazards.
Any HMO, selective or additional licensing requirements.
Clear records of checks, certificates, maintenance and tenant communications.

This is a general reminder, not an exhaustive compliance audit. The requirements depend on the property and the tenancy.

Useful official resources

Need a helping hand?

Not sure which checks or certificates apply to your rental property? TOLA can help you understand the next steps and find the right support.

Contact TOLA →03300 883973

Guidance for residential landlords in England. Information reviewed on 21st October 2026. This resource provides general information and is not a substitute for property-specific professional or legal advice. ← Back to the Landlord Hub