Compliance checks before reletting

The short answer

Before a new tenancy starts, confirm a current gas safety record, a satisfactory EICR with any remedial work completed, appliance checks, a valid EPC, interlinked alarms tested, a legionella assessment, current landlord registration and any HMO licence, the inventory completed, and the deposit scheme ready. Missing one of these is the most common cause of an avoidable penalty.

What the work involves

Running the checklist against the compliance pack, booking anything expired, testing alarms on the day, and assembling the tenant information pack.

Rules and responsibilities in Scotland

Several documents must be issued to the tenant at or before the start of the tenancy, and deposits lodged with an approved Scottish scheme within 30 working days.

What commonly goes wrong

Starting a tenancy on an EICR with outstanding C2 items, and lodging the deposit late because the scheme paperwork was left to the end of the month.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Booking expired certificates together during the void avoids repeat call-outs.
• A late deposit lodgement can result in a penalty of up to three times the deposit.
• Fixing compliance gaps before the tenant moves in is always cheaper than during occupancy.

What to do, in order

1. 1Run the checklist against the compliance pack two weeks before the start date.
2. 2Book anything expired or missing immediately.
3. 3Test alarms and record the date on the day of handover.
4. 4Complete the inventory with photographs before keys are issued.
5. 5Lodge the deposit and send the required documents within the statutory period.

Local detail for the Lothians

• Edinburgh's compressed summer changeover means certificate appointments should be booked before the outgoing tenant leaves.
• HMO licence conditions add fire detection and emergency lighting test records to the same list.
• Landlords with property across several Lothian councils need the correct registration number for each area in the advert.

When you need a professional

A letting agent will run the checklist as part of a let-only or management service.

Common questions

What must be in place before a tenancy starts?

A valid gas record, satisfactory EICR, EPC, working interlinked alarms, current landlord registration, the inventory and deposit arrangements.

Can a tenancy start with outstanding EICR items?

C1 and C2 items make the installation unsatisfactory and should be resolved before the tenant moves in.

Related pages

• The landlord compliance pack

  One folder holding every certificate, date and record a Scottish let needs.

• Inventory and schedule of condition

  The document that decides most deposit disputes, and how to build one that holds up.

• Alarms in a rented property

  Interlinked smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms — specification, siting and testing in a let.