Tenant safety is a legal obligation, but it’s also the foundation of good landlord-tenant relationships. Failing to meet these standards can result in hefty fines, legal action, or even imprisonment – so staying informed and compliant is key.

From fire prevention to mould management, we have rounded up six essential checks every landlord should stay on top of:

1. Make sure you meet fire regulations 🔥

  • Fire safety goes beyond just fitting smoke alarms (however still important and more on this below…)
  • All escape routes — like hallways, stairwells, and exits — must be kept clear and accessible at all times for tenant safety
  • Windows used for escape should open freely (not be painted shut!)
  • In HMOs, fire doors, extinguishers, and clear escape routes are also a must
  • A regular fire risk assessment can help identify hidden hazards and keep your property compliant and your tenants safe

Read more about landlord fire safety responsibilities here

2. Ensure compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide and alarm regulations ✅

  • Since October 2022, following the introduction of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations, landlords must install carbon monoxide alarms in any habitable room with a solid fuel-burning appliance
  • Landlords must also ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation (this became a legal requirement in 2015)
  • The testing of all alarms in a rental property should be documented on the first day of a tenancy
  • Tenants should test alarms monthly, and replace batteries if needed
  • Landlords are responsible for fixing or replacing any faulty alarms reported
  • Landlords could face fines of up to £5,000 if their property is found non-compliant

Find out more in our carbon monoxide alarm compliance guide

3. Check your property meets the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 🏡

  • The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires all rental homes to be safe, healthy, and hazard-free
  • This includes tackling damp, mould, structural instability, poor ventilation, and other serious issues which risk tenant safety
  • Landlords can be taken to court if standards aren’t met
  • Best practice for maintaining compliance include:

✅ Conducting routine inspections

✅ Maintaining accurate records

✅ Responding to repairs within a “reasonable time period” (24-48 hours for emergencies, 7 days for less urgent issues)

✅ Securing insurance protection

✅ Staying up to date with the latest legislation

Understand more about your responsibilities here

4. Keep on top of boiler servicing and gas safety checks 🔧

  • Boiler and gas safety is one of the most critical areas of compliance for landlords, with serious consequences for negligence
  • Landlords must arrange an annual Gas Safety Check by a registered engineer and provide a certificate to tenants
  • Servicing the boiler regularly prevents breakdowns, improves efficiency, and keeps tenants warm and safe
  • Non-compliance could cause fines, inclusion on the Rogue Landlord Database, invalidated insurance, severe property damage and tenant endangerment

Learn more about gas safety checks and servicing

5. Conduct regular electrical safety checks ⚡

    • Electrical faults can pose serious risks, so landlords are legally required to carry out regular safety checks
    • A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be in place and renewed at least every five years — or sooner if the report flags issues
    • PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing), although not a legal requirement, is also recommended annually or at the start of each new tenancy to ensure all appliances are safe to use

Check out the NRLA’s guide to PAT testing and electrical safety

6. Understand your responsibilities under Awaab’s Law 📃

  • In 2023, Awaab’s Law introduced strict repair timeframes for reported damp, mould, and other hazards
  • The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home, prompted the law – highlighting the urgent need for landlords to act quickly and responsibly when serious issues are reported by tenants
  • Though currently focused on social housing, the legislation is expected to apply to private landlords as well with the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill

Find out what Awaab’s Law means for landlords

Let Eclipse Inventories help you stay compliant and confident.

As the private rental sector faces tighter regulations and evolving standards, now is the time to ensure your properties are not just compliant, but safe and well-maintained.

At Eclipse Inventories, we specialise in providing detailed, impartial property reports that support you every step of the way – from check-ins and mid-terms to check-outs.

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Interested in finding out more about our services?

Get in touch with us today:

📞 Call us: 020 3411 8090

📩 Email us: bookings@eclipseinventories.co.uk

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