This page provides advice and information on the safety and environmental assessments required by law and/ or holiday home letting agents. We provide links to Government websites where you can seek further details. At Pebbles we have negotiated with our Partner Specialists to bring substantial assessment discountsto our clients.
If you would like more details, we'd be happy to receive your call, or to make an appointment with one of our Partner Specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1) What safety and energy assessments do I need to consider? The requirements for accommodation aren't as complicated as they may appear (Click here). There are four areas to consider:
a) Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
b) PAT testing (Portable Electrical Applicance)
c) Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)
d) Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Q2) Do these issues apply to my property? Owners of accommodation used by any guests are obliged by law to hold a Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable). Where guests are paying to stay at a property, an Energy Performance Certificate is also a legal required.
It is the case that most Holiday Home Letting Agents require the additional Portable Electrical Appliance test and Fire Risk Assessment. Pebbles highly recommends that all Holiday Home owners have the PAT and FRA to protect their guests and themselves. Non-letting home owners often choose to consider one or more for peace of mind.
Q3) What is a Fire Risk Assessment? A Fire Risk Assessment considers the range of concerns in properties, from exits to the location of fire blankets. The assessment concludes with a full written report plus recommendations. In our experience, recommendations include the locating of Fire Blankets and Fire Extinguishers. Once complete, a certificate is presented for the property. A short review should be carried out every twelve months to ensure the equipment functions correctly and a reminder will be sent to you.
Price: £36 plus VAT. For more information on Fire Risk Assessments, you might like to visit
Q4) What is PAT testing? The PAT test includes checking the product and cables of all portable electrical devies are in good condition, insulation resistance between wires, and correct polarity, earth continuity and running the device through a special testing kit to check for leakage from live to earth. Each PAT test concludes with a thorough written report detailing results for each appliance. Pebbles recommends that PAT tests are carried out every two years (min.).
Price: the cost of the test for an average 3-bed house is £55 (no vat)
Q5) What is a Gas Safety Certificate? Under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 a Gas Safety-registered installer must maintain all pipe work, appliances and flues that are provided for tenant use in your property. An annual Gas Safety Check must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safety-registered installer.
Price: £45 (no vat). For more information on Gas Safety maintenance, you might like to visit
Q6) What is an Energy Performance Certificate? A domestic EPC became a legal requirement for holiday homes in England and Wales from 30th June 2011 (mobile homes, caravans and park homes are exempt). It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that an EPC is carried out every 10 years. The assessment itself lasts 1hr and the report arrives within a week. Once complete, the EPC rating should be available in electronic or paper form to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity.
Price: £60 (no VAT). For more information on Energy Performance Certificates, you might like to visit
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