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Landlords in London need to ensure that their property complies with the relevant safety, energy and efficiency requirements before letting a property. You need to understand which certificates you need, when to arrange them, and how long they remain valid can help you prepare for a tenancy and keep your compliance records updated.
The major landlord safety certificate in London refers to Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), where the relevant requirements apply. Landlords may also need a fire risk assessment, fire alarm documentation or other assessments linked to the building’s use and risks.
This checklist explains the key certificates and assessments, the circumstances in which they apply, and the official guidance landlords should follow before welcoming new tenants.
1. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
A Gas Safety Certificate which is commonly called a CP12 that records the results of a gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It confirms that the relevant gas appliances and flues have been checked in accordance with the applicable requirements.
When does a landlord need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords must arrange a gas safety check every 12 months for gas appliances and flues covered by the regulations. They must provide existing tenants with a copy of the latest gas safety record within 28 days of the check and give new tenants a copy before they move in.
The requirement applies where the landlord’s gas safety responsibilities cover the relevant appliances and flues. Landlords should retain copies of the records and arrange subsequent inspections before the next check becomes due.
2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report assesses the condition and safety of a property’s fixed electrical installation. A qualified and competent electrician examines components such as wiring, sockets, switches and the consumer unit, then records the findings and any remedial work required.
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
In England, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies an earlier inspection.
If the report identifies required remedial work, landlords must arrange it within the applicable timeframe and retain the relevant documentation. They must also provide the report to tenants and the local authority where required by the regulations. Before a new tenancy begins, check the report’s date and findings, and ensure that required remedial work has been completed.
Validity: At least every five years, or sooner if specified in the report.
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate shows a property’s energy efficiency rating from A to G. It also provides information about the property’s energy performance and recommendations for potential improvements.
What EPC rating does a rental property need?
Landlords generally need a valid EPC when marketing a property for rent, subject to applicable rules and exemptions. Under England’s current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, most privately rented domestic properties covered by the rules must achieve an EPC rating of E or above unless a valid exemption applies.
Landlords should check the property’s EPC before advertising it. If the certificate has expired or a new assessment is required, arrange an updated EPC and review the recommendations.
Domestic and commercial properties have different assessment methods, so the certificate should match the property’s type and use.
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, unless a new certificate is obtained earlier. Official guidance: GOV.UK – Minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented properties
4. Fire Risk Assessment
Fire safety requirements depend on the property’s layout, occupancy and use. A fire risk assessment identifies potential fire hazards, considers who may be at risk and sets out measures to reduce those risks.
When is a fire risk assessment required?
The responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for premises covered by the applicable fire safety legislation. For residential buildings, duties can apply to common parts such as shared corridors, stairways and entrance halls. HMOs and commercial premises may have additional requirements according to their use and circumstances.
The assessment considers escape routes, fire doors, alarms, emergency lighting and other relevant fire precautions. The responsible person should review it when changes affect the building’s fire risks.
A fire risk assessment is not a universal certificate required for every individual rented dwelling. Landlords should establish which fire safety duties apply to their particular property.
Validity: Review the assessment regularly and whenever significant changes affect fire risks.
5. Fire Alarm Certificate and Related Fire Safety Documentation
A fire alarm certificate record provides information about the inspection or testing of a fire alarm system. Whether a particular document is required depends on the building’s fire safety arrangements and applicable standards.
Does every rental property need a fire alarm certificate?
No, a single fire alarm certificate is universally required for every rented home. The responsible person must establish the appropriate fire detection and alarm arrangements for the property and meet the applicable inspection, testing and maintenance duties.
For buildings with communal areas, HMOs and commercial premises, the fire risk assessment can help identify the relevant alarm provisions and maintenance arrangements. Keep records of inspections and testing where applicable.
Landlords must also meet the legal requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in England. These duties are separate from any fire alarm system certification.
6. Legionella Risk Assessment
Landlords must assess the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria from water systems under their control and take reasonable steps to manage the spotted risks.
Do landlords need a Legionella certificate?
Landlords should carry out a suitable risk assessment and act on any identified risk. For an ordinary domestic water system, routine laboratory testing and a formal Legionella test certificate are generally unnecessary unless the assessment or particular circumstances indicate otherwise.
The appropriate measures depend on the property’s water system, occupancy and level of risk. Keep a record of the assessment and any control measures where appropriate.
Review the assessment when changes to the water system, occupancy or other circumstances affect the risk.
7. Asbestos Survey: When Does a Landlord Need One?
An asbestos survey helps identify asbestos-containing materials and assess how they should be managed. Its relevance depends on the building’s age, condition, intended work and the legal duties that apply.
Is an asbestos survey required before letting?
An asbestos survey is not a universal certificate required before every residential tenancy. Specific asbestos management duties apply to certain non-domestic premises and the common parts of some residential buildings. Refurbishment or demolition work can also require an appropriate survey before work begins.
Landlords and property owners should establish whether asbestos duties apply to their property and arrange the appropriate assessment where needed.
8. HMO Licence and Property-Specific Compliance
An HMO licence is not a safety certificate, but it can form an essential part of a landlord’s compliance obligations.
When does a rental property need an HMO licence?
In England, mandatory HMO licensing generally applies where a property is occupied by five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities, subject to the statutory criteria. Local councils may also operate additional HMO licensing or selective licensing schemes.
Licensing conditions may include specific safety requirements. Check the rules set by the relevant local authority and confirm which requirements apply before letting the property.
Arrange Your Landlord Safety Certificates
Preparing a rental property starts with identifying the certificates and assessments that apply to its facilities, occupancy and use. Check the validity of existing documents, arrange outstanding inspections and keep records of completed remedial work and upcoming renewal dates.
BritCertify provides landlord safety certificates and relevant property compliance assessments across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. Landlords can review the available services, compare published starting prices and arrange the checks their property needs.
