A compliance checklist for landlords

Scottish landlords are managing more legal requirements than ever and the consequences of getting it wrong are getting steeper. This isn't about avoiding fines, though that matters too. It's about keeping your tenants safe, protecting your investment, and having the kind of paper trail that stands up when it counts.

Here's everything you need to have in place.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• What it is: A rating of your property's energy efficiency on a scale of A to G.

• The requirement: Legally required before letting or selling, it must be provided to tenants and is valid for 10 years.

• What to know: Scotland is moving toward stricter minimum EPC standards for rental properties. If your property is currently rated D or below, it's worth getting ahead of that now.

• How EPIC can help: We arrange the assessment and advise on practical improvements to protect or enhance your rating.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• What it is: A full safety assessment of your property's fixed electrical installations including wiring, sockets, consumer unit, and everything in between.

• The requirement: Mandatory every 5 years for private rental properties in Scotland. Must be provided to tenants.

• What to know: From October 2026, new qualification requirements come into force for EICR inspectors. If your report is due for renewal in the next 12 months, it’s time to book in before demand outstrips supply of certified engineers.

• How EPIC can help: We coordinate inspections through our long-standing, trusted network of SELECT and NICEIC registered electricians and manage any remedial works required.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

• What it is: Confirmation that all gas appliances and flues in your property are safe and functioning correctly.

• The requirement: Annual check by a Gas Safe registered engineer which must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection (or before they move in)

• What to know: This is one of the most time-sensitive compliance requirements. If you miss the annual renewal then you're immediately in breach, there’s no grace period.

• How EPIC can help: We schedule and oversee annual gas safety checks so the renewal never slips.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• What it is: Early warning systems for fire and dangerous carbon monoxide gas.

• The requirement: Interlinked smoke alarms are required on every storey with a living space and carbon monoxide detectors are required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). All alarms must be tested at the start of every tenancy.

• What to know: Scotland's alarm requirements are among the strictest in the UK. If your property was compliant a few years ago, it's worth checking it still meets the current standard.

• How EPIC can help: We carry out compliance checks and arrange installation or repair where needed.

Legionella Risk Assessment

• What it is: An assessment of the risk of Legionella bacteria developing in your property's water system.

• The requirement: Landlords have a legal duty to assess and manage this risk – it’s recommended to be reviewed annually or following any significant changes to the water system.

• What to know: This is one of the most commonly overlooked requirements in the Scottish PRT and the absence of a documented assessment leaves you exposed to liability, insurance complications and the First-tier Tribunal.

• How EPIC can help: We arrange competent assessments, ensure risks are identified and mitigated and keep the documentation in order.

Tenancy deposit protection

• What it is: The legal requirement to register your tenant's deposit in an approved protection scheme.

• The requirement: Deposits must be registered within 30 working days of receipt and tenants must be provided with the relevant documentation.

• What to know: A deposit dispute without a thorough third-party inventory behind it is very difficult to win. The deposit protection scheme is only as strong as the evidence you can provide.

• How EPIC can help: Our independent inventory service provides the detailed, legally sound documentation you need to protect a registered deposit if a dispute arises at the end of the tenancy.

EPIC works with landlords across Aberdeen and the Shire to coordinate every check, maintain meticulous records, manage remedial works, and ensure nothing slips — whatever the legislation throws at us next.

If you'd like to talk through your compliance position, get in touch. We're here to help.

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