Checklist for landlords in England
Which certificates does a landlord need?
Three: a gas safety record every 12 months, an electrical safety report (EICR) at least every 5 years, and an EPC valid for 10 years. Here is what each is, and how to make sure none runs out.
The three certificates, and how often each is renewed
- Gas safety recordEvery 12 months. Only if the property has a gas supply. A Gas Safe registered engineer checks every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide. HSE
- Electrical safety report (EICR)At least every 5 years. Every rental property. A qualified electrician inspects and tests the electrical installation, and the report can recommend an earlier date. GOV.UK
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)Valid for 10 years. Every rental property. It must be rated E or better to let, unless you register an exemption. You can look yours up for free. GOV.UK
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms aren’t certificates, but you must test they work on the day each tenancy starts (GOV.UK), and a new tenant should get the How to Rent guide.
The landlord register asks for all three
Every private landlord in England has to register each rental property on the new landlord register, region by region from 15 December 2026. The gas safety record (if there is gas), EICR and EPC are part of each entry. You can add them up to 28 days after registering, and you update the record within 28 days of each new certificate (GOV.UK’s guidance). So a certificate that runs out after you register is something to renew and then record.
Keep track of them, free
- Reminders: put every expiry date in your calendar, 90, 60, 30 and 7 days before and on the day.
- Certificate reader: photograph a certificate and an AI model reads the dates and flags anything wrong.
- Certificate tracker: see which are missing or expire before your register deadline, property by property.
- Register entry: your certificates and tenancy agreement fill in the answers GOV.UK asks for.
We never ask for your GOV.UK One Login, never take the £65 government fee and never submit anything in your name.
Questions landlords ask
What certificates does a landlord need in England?
A gas safety record every 12 months (if the property has gas), an electrical safety report (EICR) at least every 5 years, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is valid for 10 years and must be rated E or better. You also need working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, which aren’t certificates but are checked on the day each tenancy starts.
I’m an accidental landlord. What do I need to do first?
Before a tenant moves in, have the gas safety check done (if there is gas), the electrical inspection and the EPC, and give the tenant copies. Then put each expiry date in your calendar so none runs out. Free reminders on this site do that without an account or an app.
Is there an app to remind me when my certificates are due?
Yes. Enter each property’s expiry dates, or read them from a photo of each certificate, and download a calendar file that reminds you 90, 60, 30 and 7 days before each one expires, and on the day, in Google, Apple or Outlook calendar. It is free and needs no account.
Does the landlord register ask for these certificates?
Yes. When you register a property on England’s new landlord register you give its gas safety record (if there is gas), EICR and EPC, plus any HMO or other licence number. You can add the certificates up to 28 days after registering, and you must update the record within 28 days of each new one.
What if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
Any C1, C2 or FI code makes an electrical report unsatisfactory. The remedial work has to be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and you must send the tenant and the council written confirmation within 28 days of it being done.
What if my property is rated F or G?
It can’t be let unless you register an exemption, so improve the rating first. Check the rating on the EPC register before you rely on an old certificate.
Which certificates do I need when I renew a tenancy?
The certificates belong to the property, not the tenancy. A gas safety record or EICR still in date carries over, so you need a new one only when it runs out. Give a new tenant a copy of each current certificate before they move in.