Landlord Compliance Checklist: EICR, PAT Testing & Smoke Alarms

Between EICRs, PAT testing, smoke alarms and gas safety, it's easy for landlords to lose track of what's actually a legal requirement versus what's simply good practice. Here's a clear breakdown for the electrical side specifically.

EICR: legally required

Every rental property in England needs a valid EICR, renewed at least every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy if the existing one is older than that. A copy must go to tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

Smoke alarms: legally required

A working smoke alarm is required on every storey of a rental property used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance. These must be tested at the start of every new tenancy.

PAT testing: not currently a legal requirement, but strongly recommended

Portable Appliance Testing for anything you supply as a landlord, kettles, microwaves, lamps in furnished lets, isn't a strict legal requirement in the way an EICR is, but it's widely recommended as part of your general duty of care, and many insurers expect it as standard practice.

Building a simple compliance calendar

If you manage more than one property, the easiest way to stay on top of this is a simple calendar noting each property's EICR renewal date and smoke alarm testing schedule, so nothing quietly lapses without you noticing. We can help set this up and manage the renewal schedule for you if that's useful.

What happens if you fall behind

Local authorities can issue improvement notices and fines for EICR non-compliance specifically, and in the event of an incident, gaps in your compliance record can affect both insurance claims and any liability assessment.

We can help you stay compliant

We work with landlords and letting agents across Dudley, Kingswinford, Stourbridge and the wider West Midlands, including managing renewal schedules across multiple properties. Call 01384 869399 to talk through your portfolio.