What Certificates Do Landlords Need?
A plain-English checklist of every certificate a UK landlord legally needs before, during and at the end of a tenancy — with renewal frequencies and what happens if you let one lapse.
On this page+
Compliance certificates aren't a "nice to have". Most are legally required, and several block you from serving a Section 21 notice if they're missing or expired. Here's the full set.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Required before marketing the property
- Minimum E rating to let (rising to C for new tenancies — exact date subject to legislation)
- Valid 10 years
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
- Required before move-in if there are any gas appliances
- Must be renewed every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Tenant must receive a copy within 28 days of the check
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Required before letting and at change of tenancy or every 5 years, whichever is sooner
- Carried out by a qualified electrician
- Any C1, C2 or FI codes must be remedied within 28 days
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- A working smoke alarm on every storey
- A CO alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
- Both must be tested at the start of every new tenancy
Legionella Risk Assessment
- Required under the Health and Safety at Work Act
- A simple written assessment is usually sufficient — no formal certificate, but you must keep evidence
How to Rent Guide
- Must be given to the tenant before they move in
- Use the latest government version — older copies are not valid
HMO Licence (where applicable)
- Mandatory licensing for HMOs of 5+ people from 2+ households
- Many councils, including some Norwich wards, have additional or selective licensing
What happens if a certificate lapses?
- You may be unable to serve a Section 21 notice
- Local authority fines up to £30,000 per breach
- In serious cases (gas in particular), criminal prosecution
Tip: add every renewal date to one calendar and set a reminder 60 days before expiry. Smart Manage members get automatic reminders on their compliance dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
What certificates do UK landlords need by law?+
At minimum: a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of band E or above, an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) if gas is supplied, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 5 years. Smoke and CO alarms must be installed and tested.
Is a Legionella risk assessment a legal requirement?+
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and L8 Approved Code of Practice, landlords must assess and manage Legionella risk in rented properties. For most standard homes a simple written risk assessment is enough.
What happens if a landlord lets a property without the right certificates?+
You can face fines up to £30,000 per breach, be unable to serve a Section 21 notice (where still permitted), and risk Rent Repayment Orders. The local council can also issue improvement and prohibition notices.
Get the tools to handle this confidently
Our Membership gives self-managing landlords across the UK Renters' Rights Act–compliant tenancy templates, compliance reminders, document storage and member pricing on services — from just £9/month.