Gas safety, EICR and EPC: landlord deadlines and reminders

The short answer

As a landlord in England you must have gas appliances checked every 12 months and give the tenant a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check. The electrical installation must be inspected at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so. An EPC is valid for 10 years, and a property you let generally needs a rating of E or above.

This guide shows how to work out each due date, with worked examples and a reminder schedule. It is general information for landlords in England, not legal advice.

The three certificates at a glance

Gas safety: every 12 months

Gas appliances must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The engineer gives you a gas safety record, often called a CP12.

You must give a copy of the record to your tenant within 28 days of the check. Keep your own copy with the tenancy records.

Worked example: gas safety dates

• The last gas safety check was on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Do not wait for the due date itself. Book the engineer well ahead, so there is time to rearrange if access is a problem.

EICR: at least every five years

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require electrical installations to be inspected at least every five years. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

If the report recommends an earlier inspection, use that earlier date instead.

Worked example: EICR dates

Keep a copy of every report with your tenancy records.

EPC: valid for 10 years

An Energy Performance Certificate rates the energy efficiency of a property. It is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued. You must give a valid EPC to new tenants.

For a property you let, the EPC rating should generally be E or above. If your property is rated F or G, check the gov.uk guidance before you let it.

Worked example: EPC expiry

• The EPC was issued on Monday 5 March 2018.
• It expires 10 years later, on Sunday 5 March 2028.

If you plan to start a new tenancy in spring 2028, arrange a new EPC before the old one expires so you can give a valid certificate to the new tenant.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Alongside the three certificates, check your alarms:

• A smoke alarm is required on every storey used as living accommodation.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are needed where required by the rules. The gov.uk booklet for landlords explains when.
• Check the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy.

Property licensing

Some councils require a licence to let a property, for example for a house in multiple occupation. A licence has its own expiry date, which you set as a reminder. Check whether your area needs one with our licensing checker.

Building a reminder schedule

Our compliance tools send reminders 60 days, 30 days and 7 days before each due date. Here is how that looks for the gas safety example above, with the next check due on Thursday 14 October 2027:

EPC reminders

The same 60, 30 and 7-day pattern works for the EPC in our example, which expires on Sunday 5 March 2028:

One property, all dates together

Here are all the examples above for one property, in date order:

Worked example: checking before a new tenancy

Say a new tenancy at the same property starts on Monday 1 February 2027. Using the dates above, run through each item before the tenant moves in:

What to record for each certificate

For each certificate, note these details in one place:

• the date of the check, inspection or issue
• who carried it out
• the next due date (and any earlier date the report recommends)
• the date you gave a copy to the tenant, and how you gave it
• where the original is stored

Our compliance record sets these out on a single page you can update each year.

Tips for staying on top of deadlines

1. Record the date of each check, not just the certificate number. Due dates are worked out from the check or issue date.
2. Use the earlier date if an EICR recommends one.
3. Keep copies together: certificates, the date you gave each one to the tenant, and how you gave it.
4. Arrange access in writing. Give your tenant notice of visits and keep a record of what you sent.
5. Review at the start of every tenancy: EPC still valid, gas and electrical reports in date, alarms tested.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Counting from the certificate’s expiry instead of the check date. Due dates for gas and electrical checks run from the date of the last check or inspection.
• Forgetting the tenant’s copy. The gas safety record must reach the tenant within 28 days of the check.
• Ignoring an earlier EICR date. If the report recommends a shorter interval, that date applies.
• Letting an EPC lapse between tenancies. You need a valid EPC to give to each new tenant.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a gas safety certificate valid?

Gas appliances must be checked every 12 months. Plan the next check before 12 months have passed since the last one.

How soon must the tenant get a copy of the gas safety record?

Within 28 days of the check.

How often do I need a new EICR?

At least every five years, or sooner if the report recommends an earlier inspection.

How long does an EPC last?

10 years from the date it was issued.

What EPC rating do I need to let a property?

Generally E or above. If your rating is F or G, check the gov.uk guidance before letting.

What if my tenant will not let the engineer in?

Keep a written record of every attempt to arrange access. If access remains a problem, take advice.

When should I book the next gas safety check?

Start early. Our reminders begin 60 days before the due date, which gives you time to find an engineer, agree access with the tenant and rearrange if needed.

Do I count the EPC from when I first let the property?

No. Count 10 years from the date the EPC was issued, which is shown on the certificate.

Next steps

• Keep every date on one page with the gas, electrical and EPC compliance record.
• Set reminders with the free landlord compliance checklist.
• For a new tenancy, the compliance pack combines the written statement, deposit prescribed information and compliance record.
• Check whether your property needs a licence with the licensing checker.

If there is a dispute about safety or repairs, speak to a solicitor; tenants can get advice from Shelter.