Holiday let guide · England
Holiday let safety rules in England
A holiday let in England must have a written fire risk assessment and, if it has gas appliances, a gas safety record renewed every 12 months. Most other checks are advised rather than required by law.
The short version
Two things are legal duties for a self-catering holiday let in England: a written fire risk assessment, and an annual gas safety check where there's gas. An electrical report, alarms and insurance are advised. A national short-term let register is expected in March 2027.
Fire risk assessment: required
Anyone letting holiday accommodation to paying guests must carry out a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Since 1 October 2023 it must be written down. Review it at least once a year, and after any change to the property.
Gas safety: required where there's gas
The gas safety rules for landlords cover holiday lets. Every gas appliance and flue needs a check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. For stays of 28 days or less, you can display the record in the property instead of handing it to each guest.
What's advised, not required
- Electrical report (EICR): the landlord electrical rules cover tenancies, not holiday lets, but fire safety guidance says to inspect the wiring at least every 5 years.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: expected by fire safety guidance.
- Public liability insurance: recommended by GOV.UK.
- Legionella: you must assess the risk. A written record is only required if you employ 5 or more people.
EPCs for holiday lets
Many holiday lets don't need an EPC: GOV.UK exempts those let under a licence to occupy or used less than 4 months a year. Check GOV.UK for your case. The minimum EPC band for rentals doesn't apply to holiday lets, because they aren't assured tenancies.
The short-term let register
The government plans a national register for short-term lets in England, expected to begin in March 2027. It isn't in force yet, and its penalties haven't been published. Holiday lets don't go on the rental property register for long-term lets.
Official sources
- Letting out a self-catering holiday home in England: rules and regulations (GOV.UK)
- Making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire (Home Office)
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, regulation 36
- Legionella and landlords' responsibilities (HSE)
- Delivering a registration scheme for short-term lets (GOV.UK)
Checked on 5 November 2026. Check them before you act. This page is researched information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EICR for a holiday let in England?
It isn't a legal requirement, because the landlord electrical rules apply to tenancies. Fire safety guidance still says to inspect the wiring at least every 5 years, and insurers often ask for one.
Do holiday lets go on the PRS Database?
No. The rental property register covers assured and regulated tenancies. Holiday lets will have their own short-term let register, expected in March 2027.
Can Redilet check my holiday let documents?
Yes. Choose 'Holiday let in England' on the free check and upload your documents. It doesn't store them.