The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
A private let in England needs a gas safety record every year, an electrical report every five years, an EPC rated E or better, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. What each one is, how often, and what happens if you let without it.
England. Checked against the law on 27 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.
Gas safety record (every 12 months)
If the property has any gas appliance or flue, a Gas Safe registered engineer must check it every year and give you a record (the CP12). Give the tenant a copy within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in. Letting without one is a criminal offence and blocks possession.
Electrical installation condition report, EICR (every 5 years)
Required for every private tenancy in England since 2021. A qualified electrician tests the fixed wiring and grades it. C1 and C2 faults must be fixed within 28 days. Give a copy to the tenant and to the council if asked.
Energy performance certificate, EPC (every 10 years)
The property needs a valid EPC, and it must be rated E or better to be let (the Government has consulted on raising this to C for new tenancies later this decade; check the current position). Show the rating in any advert.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (always)
At least one smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (a gas boiler counts; a gas cooker does not). Test them on the first day of the tenancy and record it. Repair or replace when a tenant reports a fault.
Others that may apply
- Licence: a mandatory HMO licence for five or more people from two or more households, or a selective or additional licence if your council runs a scheme in that area.
- Legionella risk assessment (you can do it yourself for a simple property).
- Fire safety in HMOs and blocks of flats.
How MyLandlordPA helps
Upload the certificate, in any form: a PDF, a photo of the paper. The PA reads it, files it against the property, records the expiry and reminds you before it lapses. Booking an engineer is an ask-first action: it finds a slot and you tap yes.
Questions landlords ask
Do I need an EICR for a single let?
Yes. Since 1 April 2021 every private tenancy in England needs an electrical installation condition report, renewed at least every five years.
What EPC rating do I need to let a property?
E or better, unless a valid exemption is registered. Watch for the planned rise to C, which the Government has consulted on for new tenancies.
Where must the carbon monoxide alarm go?
In every room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or a wood burner. A gas cooker alone does not trigger the requirement.
More guides
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