A landlord safety inspection checklist is essential for every London landlord who wants to keep their property compliant, safe, and tenant-ready. Preparing your rental for inspection ensures you meet legal standards, avoid costly repairs, and maintain a high-quality living space.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear step-by-step checklist to help you prepare your rental for inspection, reduce risks, and confidently pass every required safety check.
A landlord safety inspection is a formal assessment to ensure that your rental property meets all required health and safety regulations. These inspections are vital for identifying hazards and confirming that landlords are fulfilling their legal responsibilities.
Key safety inspections include:
• Gas safety checks – annually
• Electrical inspections – every five years (EICR)
• Fire safety measures – ongoing and property-specific
Professionals such as Gas Safe registered engineers, certified electricians, and fire safety consultants carry out these inspections.
To prepare your rental for inspection, you must first understand the legal duties required by London law.
Gas Safety Requirements
• Obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) annually
• Use only Gas Safe registered engineers
• Provide a copy to tenants within 28 days
Electrical Safety Standards
• Arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years
• Address all required repairs within 28 days
Fire Safety Responsibilities
• Install working smoke alarms on every floor
• Fit carbon monoxide detectors in properties with solid fuel appliances
• Ensure clear escape routes
Meeting these legal requirements is the foundation of any landlord safety inspection checklist.
Using a detailed landlord safety inspection checklist can streamline the preparation process and prevent costly oversights.
• Ensures thorough preparation
• Reduces legal risks
• Improves tenant satisfaction
This checklist allows you to systematically prepare your rental for inspection and stay compliant.
A clean, well-maintained property helps you pass inspections with ease.
Inspect:
• Windows and doors for secure operation
• Ceilings, walls, and floors for signs of damage
• Evidence of damp, mould, or water ingress
These checks are vital parts of the landlord safety inspection checklist and should be completed before any official visit.
Gas safety is a high-priority element of your landlord safety inspection checklist.
• Ensure all gas appliances function correctly
• Provide easy access to the boiler and gas meter
• Gather previous Gas Safety Certificates
Neglecting gas safety checks could result in serious penalties or legal action.
Electrical issues are a common reason for failing safety inspections.
What to do:
• Schedule an EICR with a certified electrician
• Fix exposed wires or faulty outlets
• Label the fuse box clearly
If you provide appliances, PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is highly recommended, even if not legally required. Including this step in your landlord safety inspection checklist enhances tenant safety and trust.
Fire safety should never be overlooked when you prepare your rental for inspection.
Essentials to check:
• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors
• Install fire blankets or extinguishers in the kitchen
• Ensure fire escape routes are always clear
• Use self-closing fire doors in HMOs
These items must be checked regularly and included in your landlord safety inspection checklist.
Water-related issues can quickly lead to tenant complaints or health risks.
Key plumbing checklist items:
• Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets
• Test water pressure and temperature
• Ensure toilets flush correctly
• Carry out a Legionella risk assessment where necessary
Including plumbing checks in your landlord safety inspection checklist ensures you’re covering all critical areas.
Effective heating and proper ventilation are essential to tenant comfort and property health.
Before inspection:
• Confirm radiators heat evenly
• Service gas heaters and provide safety certificates
• Ensure extractor fans work in kitchens and bathrooms
This part of the checklist to prepare your rental for inspection helps prevent mould and respiratory issues.
What Tenants Must Do
• Allow access at the agreed time
• Report any faults beforehand
• Keep the property reasonably clean
What Landlords Must Do
• Provide at least 24 hours’ notice
• Schedule all relevant professionals
• Fix any identified hazards promptly
Clearly defining responsibilities helps both parties prepare for the landlord safety inspection efficiently.
Following this process helps you fully prepare your rental for inspection and avoids last-minute surprises.
Avoid failed inspections by addressing:
• Missing or non-functional smoke alarms
• Loose or broken plug sockets
• Mould in bathrooms or near windows
• Leaking plumbing fixtures
• Inaccessible escape routes
These are frequent causes of non-compliance and must be addressed beforehand.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a compliance certificate or detailed report.
If any faults are found:
• Fix them within the specified timeframe
• Provide proof of repair to your tenants
• Schedule a follow-up if necessary
Keep all documents organised as part of your landlord safety inspection checklist records.
Staying compliant with safety standards is non-negotiable for London landlords. With the right landlord safety inspection checklist, you can confidently prepare your rental for inspection, protect your tenants, and avoid fines or legal action. Use this guide as your go-to reference for a smooth and successful inspection process.