Whether you’re letting out a single property or building a portfolio, keeping your rental compliant is essential. Failing to meet legal safety standards can put tenants at risk and leave landlords facing hefty fines or even legal action.
At Hunters Exeter, we work closely with landlords to ensure every property meets current legal requirements. This guide breaks down your key responsibilities, including EPCs, EICRs and gas safety checks, into a simple landlord safety compliance checklist.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or experienced investor, use this as your go-to reference for staying on the right side of the law.
Why landlord safety compliance matters
Letting out a property isn’t just about finding tenants, it’s about ensuring their safety, meeting legal duties, and protecting your investment.
In Exeter, where the rental market is growing fast, staying on top of compliance gives you an edge. It reassures tenants, prevents voids, and keeps you out of trouble with local authorities.
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Fines of up to £30,000
- Bans on letting property
- Delays with possession proceedings (e.g. Section 21 notices)
- Poor EPC ratings that reduce rental appeal
So, what do you need to stay compliant? Let’s break it down.
Landlord safety compliance checklist
Here are the core safety checks every landlord must complete and keep up to date.
1. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Legal requirement: Yes
Valid for: 10 years
Minimum rating: E (unless exempt)
All rental properties must have an EPC before being marketed. From 2025, new rules may raise the minimum requirement to C for new tenancies so planning ahead is wise.
Top tip: If your EPC is nearing expiry or below a C rating, now’s the time to explore energy-saving upgrades.
2. EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
Legal requirement: Yes (since 1 April 2021)
Valid for: 5 years
Applies to: All private rented properties
A qualified electrician must carry out an EICR, checking the condition of wiring, sockets, fuse boxes and more. If work is needed, it must be completed within 28 days and written confirmation provided to your tenants.
Top tip: Book inspections well ahead of tenancy renewals or new lets to avoid delays.
3. Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Legal requirement: Yes
Valid for: 12 months
Applies to: Any property with gas appliances
A Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect boilers, cookers, and gas fires. A copy of the gas safety certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the check.
Top tip: Set a yearly reminder to keep certificates up to date; many letting agents (like Hunters) can manage this for you.
4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Legal requirement: Yes (updated in 2022)
You must:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on each floor used as living space
- Fit carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel or gas appliances (including boilers)
- Test alarms on the first day of each tenancy
Top tip: Test alarms during inspections and document this as part of your regular property management.
5. Fire safety and furnishings
Legal requirement: Yes
All furniture and furnishings provided must meet fire safety standards, with clear labels showing compliance. Properties in flats or HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) may require additional fire doors or extinguishers.
Top tip: Always check fire doors close fully and aren’t wedged open this can void insurance if there’s a claim.
6. Legionella risk assessment
Legal requirement: Yes (risk-based)
Landlords must assess and control the risk of legionella bacteria in water systems especially in properties left empty for long periods.
For most properties, a simple, documented assessment by a competent person is enough.
Top tip: Run all taps and showers before new tenants move in to clear stagnant water.
7. Right to rent checks
Legal requirement: Yes
You must verify a tenant’s legal right to rent in England before a tenancy begins. This includes checking passports, visas or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Top tip: Keep digital copies securely filed for all tenants, and recheck when visas are time-limited.
Other landlord legal obligations
Aside from safety checks, landlords must also:
- Protect tenant deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
- Provide the ‘How to Rent’ guide at the start of each tenancy
- Issue prescribed information alongside tenancy agreements
- Register with a redress scheme if you’re a self-managing landlord
- Obtain HMO licences if your property qualifies (e.g. five or more tenants sharing)
These tasks are just as important as inspections and often get overlooked without professional support.
Letting agents and compliance support
Letting agents play a vital role in helping landlords stay compliant. At Hunters Exeter, we handle all safety certificates, renewals, and legal checks as standard.
With our fully managed service, you’ll get:
- Scheduled compliance checks (EPC, EICR, Gas Safety)
- Up-to-date record keeping
- Tenant communications handled for you
- Peace of mind that your rental is legally secure
Whether you’re managing a single flat or a growing portfolio, we make sure your property is safe, compliant, and ready for long-term rental success.
Learn more about our property management services.
Stay ahead of the rules in Exeter’s rental market
The Exeter property market continues to attract professionals, students, and families which means landlord standards are under increasing scrutiny.
With many local tenants expecting modern, safe, and well-managed homes, compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s a way to stand out and reduce costly void periods.
Regular maintenance and proper certification also help protect your investment value over time.
Need help managing landlord compliance?
If you’re unsure whether your property is fully compliant or just want an expert to handle it talk to our team at Hunters Exeter.
We’ll carry out a full audit of your property and arrange any required inspections. It’s the easiest way to protect your income and meet your legal obligations.
Book a free, no-obligation lettings appraisal today.
Conclusion
Keeping your rental safe and legal doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right checks, paperwork and professional support, you can protect your tenants and your investment while staying fully compliant with landlord law.
Use this checklist as your guide and let Hunters Exeter take care of the rest.
