Landlords in Scotland have to meet safety and property standards before and during every tenancy. This landlord safety checklist for Scotland covers gas, electrics, alarms, water, energy and the paperwork you need, with how often each check is due.
- Gas safety checks every 12 months where there are gas appliances.
- An EICR at least every five years, plus PAT testing of appliances you supply.
- Interlinked smoke and heat alarms, and CO alarms where needed.
- A valid EPC, a legionella risk assessment, and the Repairing Standard.
Landlord safety checklist for Scotland
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Gas Safety Record
A Gas Safe registered engineer must check gas appliances, fittings and flues every 12 months. Give tenants a copy.
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Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An electrical safety inspection at least every five years, carried out by a qualified electrician.
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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Electrical appliances you supply should be tested, usually alongside the EICR.
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Smoke and heat alarms
Interlinked smoke alarms in the living room and every hall or landing, and a heat alarm in the kitchen.
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Carbon monoxide alarms
Required where there’s a fixed carbon-fuelled appliance (such as a gas boiler or fire) or a flue.
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Legionella risk assessment
Assess and manage the risk of legionella in the water system.
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Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
A valid EPC must be available to prospective tenants and its rating included in adverts.
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Furniture and furnishings
Upholstered furniture you provide should meet fire safety standards and carry the correct labels.
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Repairing Standard
Keep the property wind and watertight, with safe fixtures, heating and fittings, throughout the tenancy.
How often each landlord safety check is due
| Check | How often |
|---|---|
| Gas Safety Record | Every 12 months |
| EICR | At least every 5 years |
| PAT testing | Usually with each EICR |
| Smoke, heat and CO alarms | Test regularly; replace in line with manufacturer guidance |
| EPC | Valid for 10 years |
| Legionella risk assessment | Before letting, and review when anything changes |
| Landlord registration | Renew every 3 years |
Before a new tenancy starts
- Make sure every certificate is in date and give tenants copies
- Test all alarms on check-in day
- Carry out a detailed inventory with photos
- Provide the tenancy terms in writing, with the Scottish Government’s notes
- Lodge the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 working days
Registration and paperwork
- Register as a landlord with your local council (Glasgow City Council for Glasgow properties) via the Scottish Landlord Register
- Use a Scottish Private Residential Tenancy for new tenants
- Include your landlord registration number in adverts
- Check whether you need an HMO licence if three or more unrelated people share
Keeping records
Keep copies of every certificate and inspection, note the renewal dates, and give tenants copies where required. If something goes wrong, good records show you’ve met your duties.
How G4 helps with landlord safety compliance
As part of our Full Management service, G4 sends compliance reminders for EICRs, gas safety and smoke and heat alarms, arranges checks through trusted local contractors and keeps records for you. Our team is LETWELL-qualified. See our landlord services and our fees.
Frequently asked questions
How often do landlords need a gas safety check in Scotland?
Every 12 months, carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, where there are gas appliances.
How often is an EICR needed for a rental property in Scotland?
At least every five years.
What alarms do landlords need in Scotland?
Interlinked smoke alarms in the living room and every hall or landing, a heat alarm in the kitchen, and carbon monoxide alarms where there’s a fixed carbon-fuelled appliance or flue.
How long is an EPC valid?
An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years.
Does G4 Properties handle safety compliance?
Yes. Our Full Management service includes compliance reminders and arranging checks through trusted local contractors.
Get in touch
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Written by the G4 Properties team, a family-run letting agent at 719 Cathcart Road, Glasgow, letting and managing homes since 2008. Letting Agent Registration Number LARN1903011. Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.