What certificates does a landlord need?
Letting a property comes with paperwork the law requires, issued by registered people, on renewal cycles that differ by certificate and by nation. Here is the plain English version of what you need and why.
Three certificates come up for almost every landlord, plus a couple that depend on the property. Who issues them matters as much as having them: a certificate is only valid when the right registered person signs it.
EICR: the electrical safety report
An EICR reports on the condition of the fixed electrical installation: the wiring, the consumer unit and the circuits. Landlords letting residential property must have the installation inspected and tested by a qualified person and hold a valid report. If the report is unsatisfactory, remedial work follows. Our guide to EICR codes explains what the results mean.
Gas safety certificate: if the property has gas
Any let property with gas appliances, pipework or flues needs an annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer, recorded on a gas safety certificate (the CP12), with a copy given to tenants. No gas supply means no certificate needed.
EPC: the energy rating
An energy performance certificate rates the property's energy efficiency and is needed to market a property for let. Minimum standard rules apply to most tenancies, and the requirements differ between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
PAT testing: appliances you supply
If you supply appliances with the tenancy, you have a duty to ensure they are safe. Portable appliance testing is the accepted way to evidence that, and some local licensing schemes require it outright.
Licensing: depends on the property and the council
Houses in multiple occupation usually need a licence, and some councils run selective licensing covering ordinary lets. Licence conditions often set out exactly which certificates you must hold, which is another reason to keep them current.
The renewal problem
Each certificate renews on its own cycle. Missing one is the expensive part, and it usually happens because nobody was tracking the dates. Our landlord compliance package bundles the certificates your property needs into one booking and reminds you before anything expires.
The rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Tell us where the property is and we will confirm exactly what applies before you book. Get a quote or call 07817 435 555.
Frequently asked questions
For a typical let: an EICR for the electrical installation, a gas safety certificate if the property has gas, and an EPC to market the property. The detail differs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so we confirm what applies to your property before booking.
No. If the property has no gas supply, appliances or flues, there is nothing to certify. You would still need the electrical report and an EPC.
There is no single blanket rule, but you have a duty to ensure electrical appliances you supply are safe, and PAT testing is the accepted way to evidence that. Some licensing schemes require it.
Valid certificates generally stay with the property, so ask for them during the purchase. Check the dates: if a certificate is close to expiry, budget for renewal.
Yes. That is exactly what our landlord compliance package is for: the certificates your property needs, bundled, with renewal reminders and any remedial work done in house.