Your home's safety checks, explained

Two regular checks keep the gas and electrics in your home safe. Both are required by law, both are our responsibility, and you get a copy of the results every time. Here's what to expect.

Gas safety check, every year

If your home has gas appliances that we provide, such as a boiler, a gas fire or a gas hob, a Gas Safe registered engineer checks each appliance and flue at least once every 12 months.

You're entitled to a copy of the gas safety record:

• within 28 days of each check, and
• before you move in, if you're a new tenant.

The record shows the date of the check, each appliance and flue that was checked, any safety defect found and what was done about it.

Electrical safety check, at least every five years

A qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrics in your home at least every five years, or sooner if the last report says so. That means the wiring, the plug sockets, the light fittings and the fuse box, plus things wired in permanently such as an electric shower or extractor fan.

You're entitled to a copy of the report (often called an EICR):

• within 28 days of the inspection, and
• before you move in, if you're a new tenant.

If the report says further work is needed, the law gives us 28 days to have it done by a qualified person, or less if the report says so. Once it's done, you get written confirmation within 28 days.

How the visits work

We give you notice and arrange a time with you for each check. It helps if the engineer can reach the boiler, gas fire and hob, and the electrician can get to the fuse box and sockets.

You don't need to wait for the next check to tell us about a worry. If you notice a scorch mark on a socket, a fuse that keeps tripping or a gas appliance that isn't working properly, let us know straight away.

If you smell gas or think there may be carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 at any time of day or night.

Find out more

• Your landlord's safety responsibilities (GOV.UK)
• Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (GOV.UK)
• Landlords' responsibility for gas safety (Health and Safety Executive)
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, regulation 36 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Electrical safety regulations 2020, regulation 3 (legislation.gov.uk)