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Airbnb Safety Checklist

UK Holiday Let Safety Checklist: Gas, Electrical & Fire Compliance

UK holiday lets carry legal duties that don't show up on a typical cleaning list: an annual gas safety check, a written fire risk assessment, fire-resistant furniture and — in Scotland — electrical testing as a licence condition. This checklist tracks the certificates and periodic checks so nothing quietly expires between bookings.

Use it on paper, or in our Airbnb safety checklist software to assign it to your cleaner, require a photo for every item and generate a compliance report.

Use this template free Download printable PDF

The uk holiday let compliance checklist (6 items)

  1. 1

    Gas Safety record in date

    The annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer is less than 12 months old. Photograph the certificate.

    Annually Photo proof
  2. 2

    Electrical safety (EICR) in date

    The Electrical Installation Condition Report is within its recommended interval (typically 5 years). Required for Scottish short-term let licences.

    Annually Photo proof
  3. 3

    Portable appliances checked (PAT)

    Appliances supplied to guests are visually checked, PAT-tested at appropriate intervals, and damaged leads replaced.

    Quarterly Photo proof
  4. 4

    Fire risk assessment recorded & reviewed

    A written fire risk assessment exists, is recorded in full and has been reviewed in the last 12 months or after any change to the property.

    Annually Photo proof
  5. 5

    Furniture fire safety labels present

    Upholstered furniture, mattresses and cushions supplied carry permanent fire-safety labels (Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988).

    Quarterly Photo proof
  6. 6

    Legionella risk managed

    Hot water is stored at 60°C or above, little-used taps and showers are flushed before arrival, and the legionella risk assessment is up to date.

    Monthly Photo proof

Why it matters

  • The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 apply to holiday accommodation: gas appliances and flues must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the host to carry out a fire risk assessment, and since October 2023 it must be recorded in full.
  • Scotland's short-term let licensing makes gas safety, electrical safety (EICR and PAT testing), fire safety and legionella checks mandatory licence conditions.

This checklist reflects common US and UK safety guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by city, state and UK nation — check with your local authority, fire service and insurer.

FAQs

Do UK holiday lets need a gas safety certificate?
Yes. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 apply to holiday accommodation, so gas appliances and flues must be safety-checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer and the record kept.
Do I need an EICR for a holiday let?
In Scotland, short-term let licensing requires an Electrical Installation Condition Report and PAT testing. In England and Wales the electrical rules for tenancies don't automatically cover holiday lets, but an EICR is strongly recommended and many insurers and agents expect one.