What Certificates Do Landlords Need UK? Complete Checklist
Every certificate and document UK landlords must have. Gas safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection, Right to Rent — the complete checklist with renewal dates.
The Latch Team
Editorial
UK landlords must hold several certificates and documents to legally let a property. Missing even one can result in fines, invalidate your insurance, or prevent you from regaining possession of your property through the courts.
This comprehensive checklist covers every certificate and document you need, how often each must be renewed, and what happens if you fail to comply. Use this as your definitive compliance reference for 2026.
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
A gas safety certificate is required for every rental property with gas appliances. It must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Annual inspection of all gas appliances, flues, and pipework
- Certificate obtained before new tenants move in
- Copy provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
- Copy provided to new tenants before they move in
- Records retained for at least 2 years
Penalty: Failure to obtain a gas safety certificate is a criminal offence. Penalties include unlimited fines, imprisonment for up to 6 months, and inability to serve valid Section 21 notices (until May 2026) or Section 8 notices.
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 12 months |
| Who performs it | Gas Safe registered engineer |
| Typical cost | 60-90 per property |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment |
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR is a legal requirement for all private rented properties in England. It checks the safety of the fixed electrical installation.
- EICR obtained before new tenants move in
- Report shows satisfactory outcome (or remedial work completed within 28 days)
- Copy provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- Copy provided to the local authority within 7 days if requested
- Renewed every 5 years or sooner if recommended by the inspector
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 5 years (or sooner if recommended) |
| Who performs it | Qualified electrician (Part P registered or equivalent) |
| Typical cost | 150-300 depending on property size |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Up to 30,000 fine per breach |
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC rates the energy efficiency of your property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). You must have a valid EPC before marketing a property to let.
- Valid EPC obtained before marketing the property
- EPC rating of E or above (minimum requirement)
- EPC shown on property listings and advertisements
- Copy provided to tenants
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 10 years |
| Who performs it | Accredited domestic energy assessor |
| Typical cost | 60-120 |
| Minimum rating | E (potential increase to C in future) |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Up to 5,000 fine |
Deposit Protection
If you take a tenancy deposit, you must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
- Deposit registered with an approved scheme within 30 days
- Prescribed information provided to tenant within 30 days
- Deposit protected for the entire duration of the tenancy
- Deposit returned or disputed via the scheme at end of tenancy
The three approved schemes in England and Wales are the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Per tenancy (within 30 days of receipt) |
| Approved schemes | DPS, MyDeposits, TDS |
| Cost | Free (custodial) or 20-30/year (insured) |
| Penalty for non-compliance | 1x to 3x the deposit amount, plus inability to serve Section 21 |
Right to Rent Checks
You must verify that every adult tenant has the legal right to rent in England before the tenancy begins.
- Identity documents checked for every adult occupant
- Documents verified in person or via the Home Office online service
- Copies of documents retained securely
- Follow-up checks conducted if right to rent is time-limited
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Before each new tenancy starts, follow-up for time-limited rights |
| Who performs it | Landlord or authorised agent |
| Cost | Free (Home Office online checking service) |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Up to 3,000 per tenant (civil penalty), criminal prosecution for repeat offences |
How to Rent Guide
You must provide tenants with the current version of the government's How to Rent guide at the start of each new tenancy.
- Current version downloaded from gov.uk
- Provided to tenants at the start of each new tenancy
- Can be provided as a hard copy or by email with a link to the current version
- Updated version provided if the guide changes during the tenancy
Additional Requirements for 2026
From 2026, additional requirements apply:
- Property Portal registration: Under the Renters Rights Act, landlords must register their properties on a new government Property Portal
- PRS Ombudsman membership: Landlords must be registered with the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: At least one smoke alarm on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fixed combustion appliances
- Legionella risk assessment: Not a strict legal certificate requirement, but landlords have a duty to assess and control Legionella risks
Complete Renewal Schedule
| Certificate/Document | Renewal Period | Typical Cost | Risk if Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas safety certificate | Annual | 60-90 | Criminal offence, unlimited fine |
| EICR | Every 5 years | 150-300 | Up to 30,000 fine |
| EPC | Every 10 years | 60-120 | Up to 5,000 fine |
| Deposit protection | Per tenancy | Free-30/year | 1-3x deposit penalty |
| Right to Rent check | Per tenancy | Free | Up to 3,000 per tenant |
| How to Rent guide | Per tenancy | Free | Cannot serve Section 21 |
| Smoke/CO alarms | Test annually, replace as needed | 20-50 | Up to 5,000 fine |
| Property Portal registration | Ongoing (from 2026) | TBC | TBC (fines expected) |
How Latch Tracks Your Compliance
Keeping track of multiple certificates across multiple properties is exactly the kind of task that benefits from automation. Latch tracks every certificate and deadline:
- Enter your certificate dates and Latch calculates renewal deadlines automatically
- Receive automated email reminders well before certificates expire
- Dashboard shows compliance status at a glance across all properties
- Store digital copies of certificates attached to each property
- Never miss a deadline that could cost you thousands in fines
Never Miss a Compliance Deadline
Latch tracks every certificate, sends automated renewal reminders, and shows your compliance status at a glance. Start your free 30-day trial and get your compliance house in order. No credit card required.
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Get Started with LatchDisclaimer: This guide covers the main compliance requirements for landlords in England as of February 2026. Requirements may differ in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Additional local licensing requirements may apply depending on your area. Laws and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local authority or a qualified letting agent. Last updated February 2026.
