Which certificates do I need?
A plain-English guide to the common safety certificates and checks for rented homes and business premises in England.
Rented homes
What landlords in England typically need for a residential let.
| Certificate / check | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) | Every 12 months | Required where there are gas appliances. Carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer; tenants must get a copy. |
| EICR Electrical Installation Condition Report | At least every 5 years | Required for private rented homes. Any remedial work found must be completed. |
| EPC Energy Performance Certificate | Valid for 10 years | Needed to let or sell. Rented homes must usually meet a minimum rating. |
| Smoke & CO alarms | Checked at the start of each tenancy | A smoke alarm on every storey, and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance. |
| Legionella risk assessment | Reviewed regularly | Landlords must assess and control the risk from Legionella in the water system. |
| Fire risk assessment | Reviewed regularly | Required for HMOs and the common parts of flats. |
Business & commercial premises
Common requirements for offices, shops, schools and other non-domestic buildings.
| Certificate / check | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire risk assessment | Reviewed regularly, and after changes | A legal requirement for non-domestic premises; must be written down if you have 5 or more employees. |
| Fire alarm servicing | Usually every 6 months | Periodic inspection and servicing, in line with BS 5839. |
| Emergency lighting | Monthly test, plus an annual full test | Inspection and certification in line with BS 5266. |
| EICR | Typically every 5 years | Shorter intervals for some premises types. |
| PAT testing | Based on risk | No fixed legal interval, but electrical equipment must be kept safe; testing is the usual way to show this. |
| Gas safety check | Usually every 12 months | For commercial gas appliances and boilers. |
| Fire extinguisher servicing | Every 12 months | Annual service in line with BS 5306. |
This guide is general information for England and isn't legal advice. Requirements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and may be stricter under an HMO licence, a lease or your insurer's conditions. Ask us and we'll confirm what applies to your building.
Common questions
What happens if my property fails an inspection?
You'll get a clear explanation of what failed and why, and a quote for the remedial work. Once it's fixed, the certificate can be issued.
Do I need to be there for the visit?
Not necessarily. We can arrange access directly with your tenants, agent or site contact.
Can you manage several properties?
Yes. A compliance contract covers a whole portfolio, with one schedule showing every certificate and its due date.
How will I receive my certificates?
By email as a PDF, and with a contract they're also kept on file for you.
Not sure what applies to you?
Tell us about the building and we'll confirm what's needed.