What is the difference between EPC and EICR?

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A–G. EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a safety inspection of the electrical installation. Both are mandatory for landlords but serve different purposes — EPC for energy efficiency, EICR for electrical safety.

How often do I need to renew gas safety certificates?

Gas safety certificates (CP12) must be renewed annually. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of inspection. You must arrange the next inspection before the current certificate expires to maintain continuous compliance.

Can I let a property with an F or G EPC rating?

No. Since April 2020, it is illegal to let a property with an EPC rating below E. Doing so is a breach of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations and can result in a fine of up to £5,000. You must upgrade the property to at least an E rating before letting.

What happens if I fail a gas safety inspection?

If defects are found during a gas safety inspection, the engineer will issue a warning notice and you must not use the appliance until it is repaired. You must arrange repairs immediately and obtain a new certificate. Continuing to let a property with unsafe gas appliances is a criminal offence.

Do I need an EICR if the property has no electrical faults?

Yes. The EICR is a mandatory inspection regardless of whether faults are found. It must be carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician. The inspection assesses the condition of the electrical installation, not just whether faults exist.

What is the penalty for not providing a gas safety certificate to tenants?

Failing to provide a gas safety certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection is a criminal offence. You can face an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. Always provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.

Can I use a non-Gas Safe engineer for gas safety checks?

No. Gas safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Using an unregistered engineer is illegal and the certificate will not be valid. Always verify the engineer's Gas Safe registration before booking.

What is the Decent Homes Standard and how does it affect landlords?

The Decent Homes Standard requires rental properties to be safe, in good repair, and have adequate facilities. From 2026, the Renters' Rights Act will enforce this standard more strictly. Properties must have working heating, safe electrics, no damp, and adequate facilities. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action by local authorities.

How long does a compliance audit take?

A typical compliance audit takes 2–3 hours depending on the property size and number of issues found. We provide a detailed report within 48 hours identifying any gaps and recommending remedial actions. Most landlords complete all necessary works within 2–4 weeks.

Landlord Compliance Chester

Complete compliance management for rental properties in Chester, Cheshire, and North Wales. From EPC and gas safety to EICR and deposit protection, we handle every legal obligation so you can focus on your investment.

As Chester's only letting agency with an in-house solicitor, we provide expert guidance on all landlord compliance requirements, including the new Renters' Rights Act 2026. Our comprehensive compliance audits identify gaps, and our fixed-fee services ensure your properties meet every legal standard.

Key Compliance Areas

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Minimum EPC E

An EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Since April 2020, all privately rented properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Letting a property with an F or G rating is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £5,000.

Key Points:

✓Valid for 10 years from the date of assessment
✓Must be provided to prospective tenants before viewing
✓Minimum rating of E required — F and G ratings are illegal to let
✓Government proposals to raise minimum to C by 2028 (watch this space)
✓Exemptions available in limited circumstances — register with PRS Exemptions Register

⚠️ Up to £5,000 fine for letting a sub-standard property

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

Annual Requirement

Landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in their rental properties. A copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12) must be given to tenants within 28 days of the check.

Key Points:

✓Annual check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
✓Covers all gas appliances, fittings, and flues
✓Provide copy to existing tenants within 28 days
✓Provide copy to new tenants before they move in
✓Keep records for at least 2 years
✓Failure to comply is a criminal offence

⚠️ Criminal offence — unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Every 5 Years

Since 1 April 2021, all private landlords in England must have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified electrician. The EICR must be provided to tenants and the local authority on request.

Key Points:

✓Inspection every 5 years (or at change of tenancy if sooner)
✓Must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician
✓Provide copy to existing tenants within 28 days
✓Provide copy to new tenants before they move in
✓Provide copy to local authority within 7 days of request
✓Remedial works must be completed within 28 days of the report

⚠️ Up to £30,000 civil penalty for non-compliance

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Day 1 Requirement

Since October 2022, landlords must install a smoke alarm on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (including gas boilers). Alarms must be tested and in working order at the start of each tenancy.

Key Points:

✓Smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation
✓Carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance
✓Test alarms at the start of each new tenancy
✓Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly
✓Applies to all private rented properties in England

⚠️ Up to £5,000 civil penalty for non-compliance

How to Rent Guide

Pre-Tenancy

The government's "How to Rent" guide must be provided to all new assured shorthold tenants in England at the start of their tenancy. Failure to provide the current version of the guide will invalidate any subsequent Section 21 notice.

Key Points:

✓Must be provided at the start of every new tenancy
✓Must be the most current version (check gov.uk for updates)
✓Can be provided digitally if the tenant agrees
✓Must be re-served if the guide is updated during the tenancy
✓Failure to serve invalidates Section 21 notices

⚠️ Invalidates Section 21 notice — cannot recover possession

Legionella Risk Assessment

Health & Safety

Landlords have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to assess and control the risk of Legionella in their rental properties. This typically involves a simple risk assessment of the water system.

Key Points:

✓Legal duty under health and safety legislation
✓Assess the risk from Legionella in the water system
✓Implement control measures where risk is identified
✓Keep records of the assessment and any actions taken
✓Review the assessment when circumstances change

⚠️ Potential criminal liability under health and safety legislation

Why Choose PDA for Landlord Compliance?

Landlord compliance is complex and constantly evolving. Missing a single deadline or requirement can expose you to significant penalties — from fines to rent repayment orders to criminal prosecution. That's why landlords across Chester, Cheshire, and North Wales trust PDA Letting to manage their compliance obligations.

Our in-house solicitor brings legal expertise that most letting agencies simply don't have. We don't just tick boxes — we provide strategic advice on how to structure your portfolio, manage risk, and stay ahead of regulatory changes like the Renters' Rights Act 2026.

We offer fixed-fee compliance audits, certificate management, and legal support. Whether you have one property or a portfolio of 50, we scale our service to your needs and provide transparent, predictable costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Compliance Audit Today

Schedule a free compliance review with our team. We'll assess your current position, identify any gaps, and provide a clear roadmap to full compliance.

Chester's Only Agency with an In-House Solicitor