Before agreeing to rent a home in England, check who you are dealing with, the tenancy terms and the required records. A document can show what was inspected and when; it cannot guarantee that nothing is wrong today.

Missing paperwork needs a prompt response. It does not, by itself, identify a dangerous appliance or prove that an inspection never happened. A current fault or alarm needs action even if every certificate is in the folder.

This checklist concerns private assured tenancies in England. Lodgers, social housing and homes elsewhere in the UK have different rules. The legal position here was checked on 5 September 2026.